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GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS: 


OB, 


THE FINGER OF FATE. 


A Tale of RetriMoa and Reward. 


BY WILIAM MASON TURNER, M. D. 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by 
man L. Munro , in the office of the Librarian of 
Congress , at Washington , D. C. 


Nor 















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* 



COPYRIGHTED 


IN 


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GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS: 

OB, 

THE FINGER OF FATE, 


A Tale of (Retribution and (Reward. 
BY WILIAM MASON TURNER, M. D. 


CHAPTER I. 

“WANTED — A GOVERNESS.” 

“ Hang the governess!” muttered old Gilbert Marne em- 
phatically, as he struck the table with his clenched hand. 

“ That would never do, papa,” answered a young, stately- 
looking girl, who lolled back in an easy chair, as she glanced 
half carelessly, yet half anxiously over the columns of an 
evening paper, as if searching therein for some important 
information. 

The old man turned and glared at the fair speaker. 

“ I say that would never do, papa!” she repeated, glanc- 
ing casually over the top of the newspaper. 

There was something of independence, of open defiance, 
in her manner, while her tone was just mocking, just serious 
enough to be extremely provoking — especially to one of 
such an inflammable temperament as Gilbert Marne, the 
millionaire. 

Then the girl went on reading. 

“ What would never do, Hulda?” snapped out Mr. Marne, 
thrusting his great chubby fingers through his thick hair. 

“Why, to hang the governess,” was the cool reply, as 
just the faintest trace of a smile passed over the speaker’s 
haughty face. “ It would ” 

“Nonsense!” 

“It would be unchristian-like,” continued the maiden 
without noticing his interruption. “ Then, too, we haven’t 
the governess yet, to hang ! And, ’pon my soul, that’s what 
annoys me so much !” 


/ 


2 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

She spoke now in dead earnest, and, in a moment, her 
face was serious. 

For a whole minute old Gilbert Marne gazed at his daugh- 
ter, as if he did not rightly understand her, as if, astute, 
far-sighted and business-like as he was, he could not read 
her. But, rising from his chair, he strode up and down the 
richly furnished room, his face clouded, his hands locked 
behind him. 

“ Well, confound it, it doesn’t annoy me /” he blurted out 
at last, glancing toward his daughter, who, by the by, paid 
no heed to his remark, but went on scanning the paper. 
“All this bustle and preparation, this going to Europe, the 
governess and all, aye! the whole thing is a humbug,” he 
continued tartly. “’Tis simply a wild-goose chase, which 
will cost lots of money before the goose is caught. I can’t 
afford to ” 

“ Can’t afford ! Bah, papa, you cant fool me! I have a 
fair knowledge of your bank account. I know that your 
income for a single month would more than pay for one 
whole year’s stay abroad. And go we must, papa, that's 
certain.” 

She spoke very decidedly. 

“ A lust go, Hulda!” 

‘ Must go, papa.” 

The old man shook his head, as a grave look settled upon 
his coarse features. 

“ I don’t know about that,” he said, and in a softer tone 
than he had used. “There’s nothing truer than the old 
saying: ‘There’s many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip!’ 
Besides that ’tis now January, and this confounded money- 
wasting trip does not come off before the middle of May. 
We can’t tell what will happen between now and then.” 

The proud-faced beauty, Hulda Marne, pondered a mo- 
ment ere she replied. She heeded her father’s unwonted 
gravity. She feared that something more than appeared 
on the surface was behind his words. She started slightly, 
and flashing her black eyes over him, rejoined : 

“ Surely, papa, you do not mean ” 

“I mean exactly what I said,” interrupted the old man 
positively. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


3 


“Yes; but, certainly, you do not mean to let me infer 
that you anticipate a reversal in fortune — that you fear it ! 
Or that those never-failing wells of precious oil, which in 
such a short time have given you wealth almost unbounded, 
will run dry ! And those wells you got at such a bargain?” 

The old man listened quietly as he strode up and down 
the room; but when Hulda uttered her last words, she 
paused abruptly and trembled ; his face, generally so ruddy 
and health-hued, paled. In a moment, his thick, sensual 
lips were almost bloodless, while his low brow, overhung 
by the mass of dark hair, contracted. 

Fortunately for him his back was turned, and the quick, 
eyed Hulda saw nothing of his emotion. A moment and he 
recovered himself. 

‘ * Such a bargain ! ” he echoed to himself. ‘ ‘ I said nothing 
of the sort, Hulda,” he continued aloud in a stern voice; 
“you jump too readily at conclusions. I spoke generally. 
You know well enough that none of us can read the secret 
which only one single minute of the future hides behind its 
sereen. No; we can’t tell what may happen before next 
May. As to the wells, they are bringing me in money, 
every day, hour and minute. Do you know, my child,” 
and he lowered his voice, “that besides what is in yonder 
safe, I have on deposit in the bank, the great sum of” 

He whispered the rest of his sentence. 

He must, indeed, have named an amount that was almost 
fabulous ; for Hulda, well acquainted as she was with her 
father’s fortune, started violently. Her eyes flashed, her 
cheeks glowed, and a proud, grasping expression, settled 
upon her face. 

“So much, father ! ” she gasped. “ I did not dream that 
your money reached the vast sum of ” 

“Sh! Sh! Hulda!” he interrupted, warningly, glancing 
hurriedly around him, as though he feared he was not safe 
from listening ears, even in the privacy of his library. 
“Not so loud; you need not tell others what I have told 
you. Why, in that safe yonder,” pointing to the iron re- 
ceptacle near the further wall, “I have at least twenty 
thousand dollars in greenbacks — a small fortune to some. 


4 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

Aye ! and— ’pon my soul, the exact amount that, five years 
ago, I ” 

He paused suddenly. The ashen hue of a moment ago 
returned to his cheeks, and the words died upon his lips. 

Hulda once again glanced quickly at him, as she said, 
softly: 

“Go on, father; years ago that you ” 

‘ ‘ That I paid Calvin Grayson for the tract of land on 
which the wells are now pouring forth their wealth for 
me,” interrupted Mr. Marne, hastily ; as, turning away, he 
strode to the table, and, lighting a cigar, dropped into his 
chair. 

His words were spoken with a hiss, but they were almost 
in a whisper. 

The spraying light of the crystal-globed chandelier fell 
full upon the two persons — the father and daughter. 

Gilbert Marne was a short, stout man. He looked more 
like an herculean blacksmith in gentleman’s attire, than a 
millionaire, to whose every whim an almost countless 
wealth could pander. His hands were red and muscular, 
his arms brawny, his shoulders broad. His face, like his 
hands, was red, too; it told plainly of high living and 
heating wines. As has been said, his mouth was coarse 
and brutish. His forehead was wide, but low. 

The most singular features about the man, however, were 
his eyes and his hair. The former were small, black and 
glittering, and set so closely together that they seemed 
strangely out of place in his massive face. The latter was 
abundant and bristling, and what was more singular yet, 
was as black as a crow’s wing— not a silver thread showed 
in it. 

Yet the short, well-trimmed side-whiskers which gar- 
nished his fal-cheeks were as white as snow. His hair was 
a phenomenon of nature, its color was not artificial. And 
Gilbert Marne was more than sixty years old. 

The rich man was clad in loose, flowing trowsers, and a 
short, embroidered smoking-jacket — the latter garment 
making his figure look almost ridiculous. His pompous 
manner, his snobbish arrogance, were further heightened 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 5 

by the immense gold guard-chain, dangling from his vest 
buttonhole. 

Hulda Marne was at the first, and even at a second glance, 
a wonderfully beautiful girl. But her beauty was of that 
cold, hard, Minerva-like type, which, though it often at- 
tracts, yet, in the end, repels by its own marble-like glitter. 
A reader of faces, taking hers as an index, would have 
said that she was soulless, that she was simply a glittering 
casket which contained no jewel. 

She was black-haired, black-eyed, white-cheeked, bold- 
browed, and red-lipped. She looked like some stern, beau- 
tiful queen of the Orient. On this particular evening when 
we have introduced her — a cold January night — she was 
arrayed as though for a ball. Her trailing dress was of 
the richest fabric ; her lily fingers sparkled with rare stones, 
and her raven tresses were ablaze with precious gems. 

The room in which we find the two was the library of the 
splendid mansion — a room situated in the second story, 
back. The palatial mansion stood on West Rittenhouse 
Square, in the city of Philadelphia. 

. Some moments passed in silence after Mr. Marne uttered 
the words as given. The words were given, too, as if the 
speaker was tired of the subject. 

At last Hulda, still scanning the columns of the news- 
paper, said slowly : 

“Very good, papa; such being the condition of your 
finances, I still say we must take our trip to Europe. I am 
perfectly content to trust to luck as to the future, and the 
secrets it holds. But the governess, papa?” and she smiled 
“ we must not forget her. It would be so vulgar, you know, 
for me to go abroad without knowing French . Then, too, 
I” 

‘ ‘ Vulgar be hanged ! Don’t you suppose that I am going, 
too? And do you think that I am ass enough to try to learn 
anymore French than I already know? Bah! confound 
French, France, the trip, the governess, and the whole” 

“There, there, papa! You are getting red in the face. 
Stop ! or I’m sure” 

“Isn’t it enough to make me red in the face?” again 
interrupted the old gentleman, thumping the table fiercely. 


6 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 

“ Do you forget that I threw away hundreds of dollars on 
you, with that frog-eating, moustached rascal, who claimed 
to be a Frenchman? Did you not learn enough from him ? ” 

“ Pshaw, papa !” and the girl laughed outright. “ He was 
nothing more than a Louisiana Creole. As to learning from 
him, why I suppose if I was now in France and asked in 
my French for a fish, they would give me a serpent, or for 
bread, and they would give me a stone !” 

She laughed loud and long at her far-fetched wit. 

“By Jove!” muttered her father. “I’ll be hanged if 
that isn’t the smartest thing you have said for a year !” 

“Thank you, papa. But, the governess? Reginald says 
I must have one by all means. You know he has” 

“ Reginald be” 

“ You know, at all events, that he can give good advice,’’ 
continued the maiden, quietly. ‘ £ He studied medicine in 
Paris for a long time. He advises me to get for a teacher 
a French-speaking American or English governess. But, 
’pon my soul,” and she yawned, “I’ve looked over the 
paper from one end to the other, and I have not seen your 
advertisement yet. Did you put it in the afternoon papers 
again to-day ?” 

“Yes — in the Bulletin , as I did yesterday. You have the 
paper. Give it me. I’ll soon find it.” 

Adjusting his gold-rimmed eye-glasses, which were 
dangling around his neck, he bent for a moment closely 
over the news sheet. He quickly said : 

“Here it is, and it is full enough.” 

He laid his finger on a paragraph. 

“Pshaw, papa,” muttered the girl, vexatiously, as she 
glanced over the advertisement, “who would ever see it 
in such a place? You did it on purpose ; you didn’t wish it 
to be seen. You didn’t and don’t want me to have a gov- 
erness.” 

The old man laughed as he answered : 

“ Read it, and see if it suits you.” 

Hulda glanced at the paragraph and read as follows : 

“Wanted a Governess.— A French-speaking American 
or English lady preferred. Must be a proficient. The one 
applying is expected to give thorough instruction in French 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


1 


to a young lady who will soon visit France. Also to impart 
instructions to a Miss of fourteen, in the higher English 
branches. Salary no object to advertiser, provided the ap- 
plicant gives satisfaction. Apply in person, for one week, to 
Gilbert Marne, Esq., No.— West Rittenhouse Square, City.” 

“Hum! hum!” ejaculated Hulda, with a curl of her lip. 
“’Tisfull enough, indeed! And it is sufficiently pompous 
withal ! I am ” 

At that moment the deadened creak of carriage wheels, 
jolting through the snow outside, was heard. Then the 
door-bell rang faintly. 

Hulda started to her feet, a glad look on her face. 
r “ Who can it be?” she exclaimed, as she bent her head to 
listen. “What if it turned out to be the long expected, 
long wished for governess!” 


CHAPTER II. 

THE STREET WAIF. 

The night was raw and blustering; great gray clouds 
darkened the air. Snow was falling rapidly, and the hoarse 
northeast winds trooped wildly through the almost deserted 
streets of the Quaker City. 

The streets, however, were not entirely deserted. 

It was half-past eight o’clock, but long before, on this tem- 
pestuous winter evening, it had been dark. 

By the private entrance to the rear of the Walnut Street 
theatre, burned a single lamp. The alley opened into Ninth 
Street. The lamp now flaring and going almost out, then 
flaming brilliantly, lit up the narrow passageway that led 
to the hidden mysteries of the temple of Thespis. 

Fickle and fleeting as were the lamp-rays, they revealed 
a figure in the alley. 

It was pjust after a back door in the theatre had been 
suddenly opened and a broad flash of light glittered out. 
Then the door was closed. 

The figure was that of a slender, thinly-clad girl. She was 
tottering down the alley. 

Only a moment elapsed ere she stood upon the bleak pave- 
ment of Ninth Street. For a single instant she paused. 


8 


GERTR UDE, THE GO VERNE SS. 

She was standing under the lamp, the light from which 
just then streamed over her, and revealed fully both her 
face and figure. 

She was slightly above the medium height, frail, slender 
and graceful. Her face was fair, and as beautiful as an 
angel’s. But, oh! how pinched, how thin, how bloodless, 
how starved , that face looked in the flaring lamp-light! 
Over her head was drawn an old woolen hood, through the 
several holes in which, great whisks of golden, but now 
limp-wet hair, struggled— tossed here and there by the 
stormy winds. 

The maiden’s dress was of cheap calico ; it was visible be- 
neath the wet, faded shawl which, with her small, bared 
death-pale hands, she drew around her shoulders. 

For a moment she stood erect ; but, as if her strength was 
deserting her, she strode desperately forward, and clutched 
the cold iron lamp-post. 

“That chance, too, is gone !” she murmured bitterly as 
she glanced through the whirling snow, up and down the 
desolate street. “ The manager laughed at my poor acting ; 
though in the happy past, admiring friends have rung their 
enthusiastic plaudits, again and again at my amateur at- 
tempts ! Oh, heavens, and now !” 

She shivered. Straightening up she was about to proceed 
on her way, but she paused and clutched the friendly post 
again. 

She had not yet recovered her strength; she was not 
strong enough for the long walk which lay ahead of her. 
As to riding — she had not a penny to her name. 

“It was terribly humiliating to apply for such a place,’ 
she resumed more bitterly than ever. “But it was galling, 
indeed, to be refused, and to be laughed at, too ! And I 
would not even suit for a coryphee in the Grand Spectacle ! 
Yet the place would have paid me four dollars per week ! 
Just to think what we were five years ago ! Well, well, 
heaven pity and shield me ; for now I must struggle on to 
my desolate home, to the fireless hearth, to the empty 
pantry!— to the poor, everlasting, waiting starvellings, 
there !” 

She released her hold on the post, and tugging at her 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 


9 


shawl, turned away . She had not taken two steps, how- 
ever, before, with a shudder and a low, frightened exclama 
tion, she retreated once again under the shadow of the 
lamp. 

At that moment, two men, well clad for the weather, 
strode by. They cared nothing for the storm, the falling 
snow or the biting winds. Their words were loud and 
boisterous, and their laughter rang uproarously upon the 
howling winds. They were walking arm in arm. As they 
passed the flaring lamp, one of them paused slightly, 
wheeled around and bent his eyes impudently upon the 
slender form shrinking in the shadows there. But he could 
not see the girl’s face ; it was turned to the street. 

“ Ha ! ha ! my beauty !” he coarsely laughed ; “you’d bet- 
ter be moving, unless you want to catch your death of cold, 
or pass the night in the lock-up. Take a fool’s advice, and 
tramp !” 

He and his companion strode on. For a fleeting moment 
they appeared in the flaunting light. The next minute, 
however, the wind flurried the flame, and the two seemed 
to sink out of sight in the pavement. When the bl.usts 
lulled and the light flamed again, they were at the corner. 
They turned abruptly into Walnut Street where the theater 
lamps were burning brightly. 

Fleeting, however, as was the view, the girl, wheeling 
suddenly, saw them distinctly. Both were tall, certainly 
over six feet. One was extremely slender, while the other 
was brawny and magnificently proportioned. The first 
mentioned was next the curb. It was he who had spoken 
to the girl. He was a white man, with a short square face, 
small, hawk-like eyes, and a very long, yet thin moustache. 
But his companion’s face was as black as ebony. His thick 
lips and crisp midnight hair told his race. He was a negro. 
But his face, though black, was wonderfully stern, haughty 
and commanding. He was clad in a style that would have 
well compared with the attire of any Chestnut street 
‘“blood.” 

“As I thought,” murmured the girl in a frightened tone, 
though with a sigh of relief as she saw the dim forms of the 
men disappear around the corner. “ ’Twas Felix Flash and 


10 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


his strange companion, the African. Flash is a villain, and 
I must shun him ; he has already persecuted me no little. 
Thank heaven, he does not know where I live. But,” and 
she turned away with another sigh, “ I must hurry home 
and scan the newspaper. I have it still ; I must look over 
the column, ‘ Help wanted — Females.’ Something must be 
done. But just to think of that wretch, Gilbert Marne, 
who as good as stole from my father, the — ” 

She hurried away as fast as she could, the wild winds 
drowning her mutterings of sorrow and woe. 

She looked not once behind her as she hastened on her 
way down Ninth street. 

Little did she dream that other eyes were upon her ; that 
other steps were creaking behind her ; that a tall man with 
a wicked face and a cold, coward heart, was tracking her 
like a sleuth-hound. 

After the two men had turned the corner, they flung 
away their segars and ascended the broad steps of the 
theater. 

“We are late, Mahlo,” said the white man to his compan- 
ion. “ But we’ll be in time for the ballet in the second act. 
Unfortunately for you, my friend, you — ” 

He hesitated and laughed significantly. 

The negro started just the slightest, but he answered 
quietly, and in a voice which showed not a tremor : 

“ I understand you, sir. You mean to say, that owing to 
the hue of my skin, I must be content with a twenty-five 
cent seat in the colored gallery. 

He spoke bitterly, his tone showing a faint French ac- 
cent. 

He gripped his gloved hands fiercely together. 

But Flash only shrugged his shoulders, and laughed again 
as he replied : 

‘‘Exactly, Mahlo; such is the custom here in this land of 
liberty. Bah! go in; get your seat, and when the per- 
formance is over await me here on the steps. I’ll watch for 
that girl ; I think I’ve seen her before ; I would see more of 
her pretty face 1” 

“And to think, to remember, Mr. Flash, what I was a 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. H 

few years ago in Hayti!” hissed the African between his 
teeth. 

He was still thinking of the colored gallery. 

“Hayti!” repeated Flash, in a low, insinuating voice; 
“aye, good Mahlo, I recall several things that happened in 
Hayti, that beautiful Queen of the Antilles! And so do 
you. But, get your ticket, Mahlo.” 

A shiver passed over the herculean frame of the negi o, 
his lips shut together, and his eyes blazed. But without a 
wor d he wheeled, ascended the steps and approached the 
ticket-box. 

Flash smiled grimly, as, biting at his long moustache, his 
eyes followed the man. 

At that moment a thinly-clad girl entered Walnut street, 
hurried across and disappeared in the gray storm. 

It was the same maiden who had been seen coming from 
the back entrance of the theater. 

Flash glanced hurriedly around him, and strode swiftly 
after her. 

When Mahlo the African, after securing his ticket, turned 
to look, his companion had gone. 

Flash hastened on, keeping his eye upon the girl all the 

time. 

He was rapidly overhauling her. Past Locust, past 
Spruce— on and on. At last Bainbridge street, far down 
town was reached. 

Il, The poor girl, whose step in the meanwhile had been 
growing slower and feebler every minute, paused foi 
breath. 

Flash paused also; but in a moment, after glancing once 
again around him to see if he was observed, he stole on- 
ward. 

No one was in sight; his step in the yielding snow gave 
forth not the slightest sound, and the howling winds fav- 
ored his purpose. 

“ I am faint!” murmured the girl, gasping and tottering. 
« < i fear I can’t hold out. Good heavens ! suppose I should 
drop and die in the snow ! Then — oh! Ha! you ! 

While she was speaking, a heavy hand was laid upon her 


12 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

arm, she was hurled rudely around, and, tall, heartless and 
sneering, Felix Flash towered above her. 

“Yes, my fair charmer,” he answered with a wicked 
laugh ; “and I am your devout admirer. We ^re well met ; 
and the time and place are admirable.” 

“ Unhand me, sir!” said the girl sternly. 

“Not yet! I’ve long sought this opportunity. I want to 
tell you how much I love you, and — ” 

“Oh! I beg you release me, sir!” moaned the girl pite- 
ously, after a desperate but ineffectual attempt to escape 
from him. 

“Not yet! No, indeed, not until I have had one kiss, at 
least, my fair one !” 

With a quick, sudden movement he drew her towards him. 
He bent over her ; his hot liquor-laden breath fanned her 
cheek. 

“Help! help! Oh! help!” cried the girl, by a desperate 
effort turning her face away. 

“ Cry on ! halloo as much as you ” 

“Scoundrel!” suddenly exclaimed a loud, manly voice, 
and a man dashed up. 

“You, Reginald Hoy!” exclaimed Flash, recoiling. 

“ Yes ! Unhand that girl, fellow !” 

“ Not for such as you,” hissed Flash, thrusting his hand 
in his bosom. 

‘ ‘ Then take that, puppy !” 

A blow was struck like lightning, and Flash measured his 
length in the snow. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE ADVERTISEMENT ANSWERED. 

The blow which had felled the cowardly Flash, was no 
light one. It was struck by a brawny right arm, and with 
a force which, as the vulgarism goes, “ meant business.” 

For a moment the fallen fellow lay motionless. 

“By Jove! I struck hard ; but I hope I have not killed 
him!” muttered the new-comer, somewhat uneasily. “ I 
would not stain my hands even with the blood of such a 
villain as Felix Flash.” 

Casting a rapid glance at the girl, who was leaning for 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 13 

support against a house, the stranger strode toward his 
prostrate foe. 

“ Hold ! have a care, sir !” just then cried the girl, starting 
forward. “Have a — Oh, heaven!” 

She covered her face with her cold hands, and cowered 
away, as, at that instant, a bright flash spitted out in the 
darkness, and the sharp report of a pistol rang in the air. 

The revengeful shot was fired by Felix Flash. He had 
been stunned ; but the cold bed of snow revived him ; and 
as the girl’s words of warning to her rescuer broke forth, 
the fellow struggled to his elbow, drew a pistol and fired. 

But his cowardly aim failed him. The warning reached 
the stranger’s ears in time; he dropped, and the bullet 
whistled, harmlessly, six feet above him. He sprang to his 
feet at once and dashed on again. Flash, however, was 
too quick for him ; for he scrambled up and fled ingloriously 
away. 

The stranger turned at once and approached the terrified 
maiden. 

“ I hope that man did not injure you, my poor girl; and 
I am glad that I was on hand to interfere. But tell me 
where you live : I’ll hurry back for my carriage at the corner 
of Ninth and Walnut, and take you home.” 

The girl started violently as she heard his words; she 
drew back, while a convulsive shudder passed over her 
frame. But she stammered : 

“ Oh, no, sir! I could not think of it. I am near home 
now. May heaven reward you for your kindness.” 

The stranger, as he heard her soft grateful words, started 
too ; but as she was turning away, he hastened to say : 

“You may trust me, my poor girl; I would be your 
friend. You 'must be in distress to be abroad on such a 
night as this. Tell me your name and where you live. I’ll 
be equally frank with you— my name is Beginald Hoy, 1 
am a physician, and I live in Spruce street above Eleventh. 
Now, wait here a short ” 

“ Oh ! no, sir ! Oh ! no ! Farewell, and again may heaven 
bless you !” 

The maiden turned, and as though endowed with a super- 
natural strength, darted away in the snow. 


14 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

And as she fled she gasped : 

“Reginald Hoy! Reginald! he, whom I once thought my 
Reginald ! Ah ! heavens, to meet again after the Zapse of long 
years. To meet under such circumstances; to change from 
wealth, fashion and fine clothes in the gilded saloons of the 
gay French capital, to rags, to the wild wind-blown streets, 
to a pauper’s home in an alley” 

Her words died away, as wheeling at last into a narrow 
by-street, she disappeared. 

Reginald Hoy stood like a statue where the girl had left 
him. He was trembling, his broad chest was heaving, and 
his breath went and came tumultuously, as he gazed vacantly 
down the snow-gray vista where the sylph-like, but poverty* 
clad form, had fled. 

At last he shook his head, and wheeling about retraced 
his steps up Ninth street. !; 

‘ ‘ Am I dreaming ! ” he muttered after some moments had 
elapsed. ‘ ‘ Or does the dead past with its faded forms and 
happy hours, come to haunt and mock me again? That 
voice! It has rang in my ears before to-night. Where? 
when? Be that as it may, it carries me back, over five 
year’s time, to sunny France. Aye ! that poor girl’s voice, 
reminded me a bit ago, strangely, sadly of Gertrude 
Grayson, who, with Hulda Marne out of the question, was 
the only woman I ever loved.” 

He hurried on his way. 

Reginald Hoy’s opportune arrival at the scene of Flash’s 
attempted villainy, came about thus : 

At the moment the young girl, who had been seeking em- 
ployment in the theater, was crossing Walnut street, a 
doctor’s carriage was standing by the cigar store at the 
corner. It was Reginald Hoy’s carriage. The young phy- 
sician had just gone in to get a cigar. As he sauntered out 
of the store, he saw the girl. He paid no heed to her, how- 
ever, until almost immediately afterwards, he saw Felix 
Flash descend the theater steps and follow her. 

Dr. Hoy knew Flash well, and he knew nothing good of 
him. 

Suspecting villainy, the physician secured his horse and 
strode on behind Flash. 



15 


GERTH TIDE, THE GO VERNESS. 

The reader knows the result. 

That night when the theater let out, Felix Flash, standing 
under a flaring lamp before the broad door, gripped his 
hands, and uttered a deep oath as he glared around him. 

‘ ‘ Curses upon the meddlesome fellow !” he muttered, biting 
viciously at the ends of his moustache. “Curses on me for 
my bad luck— my assinine stupidity ! I’ll have my revenge 
on Reginald Hoy, if it takes me ten years to get it ! Mahlo 
must help me ; he knows how. But, ” and his muttermgs 
were lower and more serious, “this confounded affair must 
never reach old Gilbert Marne’s ears, or my double stake 
will fail me forever and for aye ! Curse my luck ! And in 
this contingency I must throw myself upon Reginald Hoy’s 
generosity. ’Tis a bitter pill, but I must swallow it or — ha ! 
at last, Mahlo!” 

The two men walked away. 

“Where now?” asked Mahlo, in a low tone, quietly slip- 
ping his arm in that of his companion as they passed on 
into the heavy shadows beyond. 

Flash pondered a moment, and answered with a low 
laugh : 

“ First to Patsy’s, to get a first-class slug of brandy, then 
to the press-room .” 

“The press-room ! Certainly, work is done there for the 
day !” 

The African spoke as if he was displeased. 

“To the press-room,” repeated Flash. “ I want to finish 
the new plate — the plate which will give me a beautiful 
girl and her father’s money; then, too, Mahlo,” and his 
voice grew harsher, “I must tell you something and get 
your advice, and ah ! here we are. Come !” 

They wheeled into Fifth street, walked on a few paces, 
and entered a drinking-saloon, before the door of which was 
suspended a red-globed lamp. 

* ,* * * * * * 

When the bell clamored through the palatial residence 
on West Rittenhouse Square, old Mr. Marne sprang to his 
feet, as Hulda had already done. 

“Hang it! who can it *be at this time of night, and in 
such weather?” he exclaimed angrily as he hastily consulted 


16 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


his watch, his eyes lingering for a moment with pride upon 
the costly time-piece. “ByJove!’tis past ten o’clock. I 
half way expected company,” he continued in a low, uneasy 
voice as his brow wrinkled; “but ” 

“And I,” interrupted Hulda. “ Beginald Hoy intimated 
that he would call; but I’ll not miss him, should he fail to 
do so. However ” 

Just then the door opened and a pert looking servant-girl, 
her countenance wearing a puzzled look, entered the room. 

“ Well, Fanchette?” asked Hulda. 

“A young woman is down-stairs, ma’am,” was the reply. 
She came in a carriage ; her trunk is already in the hall 
below.” 

“ The d euce l” muttered old Mr. Marne, frowning. ‘ ‘ Where 
is she, Fanchette? And what does she want?” 

“ She is in the parlor, sir; she says she is here to answer 
the advertisement for the governess. ” 

“Governess, be hanged! There it is again. By Jove! 

This governess-msttter will craze me ! Bundle her off again, 
Fanchette, trunk and all, and tell her to call to-morrow. 
The idea of such a ” 

“ But she has dismissed the carriage, sir,” interrupted the 
girl. 

“ Then let her walk !” 

“ Why, ’tis storming awful, sir!” continued the domestic. 

“ Storm, be—” 

“ There, father; not so fast,” interrupted the imperi- 
ous Hulda, decidedly. “ We cannot turn her off; that’s 
out of the question. Besides that, she is the first who has 
answered the advertisement. If she suits at all, I’ll engage 
her now.” 

“You! why, by my ” 

“ Yes, I. Ask the lady to come here, Fanchette, and tell 
John to be in readiness to take up her trunk.” 

She spoke as if she was the mistress of the mansion. So 
she was, as old Mr. Marne knew to his sorrow. 

Fanchette left the room. 

“ Well ! upon my soul, Hulda ” 

“ Sh ! father; behave yourself. Please do not forget your 
Station in society.” 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 


17 


“ Station be—” 

“ Sh ! father. She is coming.” 

Steps sounded in the passage without. The door opened, 
and Fanchette motioned a closely- veiled lady, dressed in 
black, into the rich library. 

“ I beg pardon for calling at such an hour,” said the 
female in a low, musical voice, at the same time throwing 
back her veil. 

Old Gilbert Marne caught a fair view of her face. He 
started back as though he had seen a ghost. 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE HOME ON QUINCE ALLEY. 

A narrow, dirty alley away down town was lit up by a 
solitary lamp, situated at its further end. The narrow alley 
was called Quince Alley. 

The section to which we now briefly introduce the reader 
was one of the most squalid and wretched in the great 
city — especially at the time of which we write, eleven years 
ago. 

Near the further terminus, that is to the south of the 
alley, stood a small, ricketty, two- story frame dwelling. 
The house boasted only one window in the ground-floor 
room, fronting the narrow byway. From this window, on 
the wild, wintry night, the events of which we are describ- 
ing, a feeble light flickered out through the cracked panes. 
The rest of the house was shrouded in gloom. 

If the outside of the broken-down tenement wore a look 
of general dilapidation, the apartment within showed far 
more of misery and want. 

It was occupied by two persons — a man, well advanced 
beyond middle life, and a boy of some fifteen or sixteen 
years of age. 

The forms, as well as the faces of both, showed unmis- 
takable signs of want and suffering. Both were clad in 
rags, though it was evident that they endeavored to make 
those rags as respectable as possible. 

The man was tall. Long ago his form must have been 
elegant ; but it was now bent — not so much with the weight 
of years as by trouble. His hair was as white as the drifted 


18 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

snow in the outside alley, his face emaciated and furrowed 
with deep care-lines, his eyes were sunken, his lips thin, 
compressed and bloodless. 

Despite his rags and his general woebegone look, there 
was an unmistakable something about him which told 
louder than words of gentle breeding, and which indicated 
that in the face of all circumstances he was still a gentle- 
man. 

And old Calvin Grayson was a gentleman. 

The boy was a manly -looking fellow, although his face 
was pinched with hunger, and his jacket so ragged that it 
scarcely clung to his thin form. 

The two were seated near a small stove set far back on the 
loose brick hearth, and right under the narrow chimney- 
flue. 

The boy sat on a stool; the man was seated, his withered 
hands locked across his knees, his head bowed upon his 
bosom, on an old shoe-bench, well littered with odds and 
ends. At his feet lay a bundle of lathes cut in short lengths, 
and near them were tied up rolls of gas-lighters. 

At this work the old man had been engaged the whole 
long winter evening. 

He had just flung his knife aside and arranged the bundle 
of lighters. They were now ready for sale ; and old Calvin 
Grayson was now thinking who was to sell them. 

The old man was thinking of other things, too . He knew 
that the night was a terrible one, that George’s jacket was 
ragged, his shoes were without soles ; but he knew, too, that 
there was not a dust of coal, or a crust of bread in the 
house. 

The winter winds roared around the old tenement, shook 
the ricketty door and flared the candle by the creaking 
sash. 

The driving snow flashed, with audible spats, against the 
narrow panes, and the cold air forced itself through the 
yawning crevices of the bare- boarded floor. 

These dismal sounds and the chilling breath of the storm, 
made the old man start, lift his head, and glance fearingly 
around him. 

“I wish Gertie was back. I wish that I had not let her 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


19 


go out in such weather as this — even with the chance of 
getting employment,” he muttered, yearningly; and rising 
with some difficulty, he tottered toward a screen, stretched 
across the room. 

This screen was composed of a heterogeneous mass of 
rags, but it answered a purpose, it divided the room into 
two compartments. 

The old man drew softly to the screen and pulling it partly 
aside, peered in. He sadly shook his head. 

“ I only wish she was there now ! ” he ejaculated. “ We 
would trust to luck — no, to heaven — for help in this our ex- 
tremity.” 

His eyes were resting upon a little bed, stretched against 
the further wall. 

The light from the candle flung its rays but feebly thither, 
yet sufficiently so to reveal that, though the bed and its cov- 
erings were cheap, everything was tidy and scrupulously 
clean. A small trunk, a little box with drawers i n it an- 
swering in lieu of a bureau — a piece of mirror stuck in the 
broken plastering, and a single stool, constituted the re- 
maining articles to be seen there. 

“Aye! I wish my poor little Gertie was there now!” 
repeated the old man, as turning away he shambled toward 
the door. “ She is out in this terrible storm, God pity and 
protect her. God grant, too, that she may come back with 
good news ! ” 

He opened the door and looked out on the storm. The 
wind flurried in and almost extinguished the light. Closing 
the door the old man approached the window-ledge, snuffed 
the long-wicked candle with his fingers, and returned to the 
shoe-bench. 

“ ’Tis an awful night, my son,” he said, glancing at the 
lad. “ You shall not venture out.” 

He spoke decidedly . 

“But, father, I must sell the gas-lighters,” said the boy 
hurriedly, casting a rueful look around him, while he shiv- 
ered in his ragged jacket. “ We must eat, and we must have 
some coal orj we’ll freeze. The night, too, is a good one 
for business ; kind-hearted people wouldn’t turn me away 


20 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

without buying in such weather. I’ll not mind the storm 
when I am once out in it. 

Brave words, cheery words ! But the last words were 
spoken with hesitation. 

“Kind-hearted people,” echoed old Calvin Grayson, bit- 
terly. “ Alas! you know nothing of the world, my son.” 

“But I do know that there are some good folks in it,” 
answered George, earnestly. “For instance, there’s Dr. 
Reginald Hoy, who more ” 

“ Reginald Hoy,” interrupted the old man, his brow knit- 
ting. ‘ ‘ Surely you do not forget what your sister has so 
often told us ; that that young man once loved her — so he 
said — that he won her heart only to crush it, and to throw 
her off for a richer sweetheart, when reverses overtook 
us?” 

George hesitated only a moment. 

“ I know all that, father,” he answered earnestly. “ But 
we are not acquainted with all the facts. Gertie and Dr. 
Hoy saw one another five years ago in Paris. The doctor 
wrote last to her. That was when we were living in Alle- 
gheny City in plenty ” 

“ Hold, George! recall not those days — those days of my 
downfall; those days of Gilbert Marne’s treachery!” hastily 
interrupted the old man, gripping his thin hands, while the 
scrowl on his brow deepened. 

“ I did it, father, to make you think as I do, that Dr. Hoy 
knew nothing about that matter, and that he is a real gen- 
tleman — an honest one. He always buys my lighters, even 
if everybody else refuses. But he only knows that my name 
is George.” 

A pause ensued. Old Calvin Grayson’s eyes wandered to 
the stove. Not a gleam of light came from its open door. 
The fire had burned out for lack of fuel. 

“This will never do,” muttered the old man, almost 
sternly ; “ it is almost cold enough to freeze us here. When 
poor Gertie comes home, she’ll be wet through and through. 
She must have a fire to warm herself by. ” 

He arose, picked up a hatchet that lay upon the hearth, 
and glanced at the shoe-bench. 

“ What are you going to do, father? ” 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


21 


“ Make a fire, ’Tis nine o’clock; Gertie will, must, soon 
be here, whatever her success. She must have a fire when 
she comes, that’s certain.” 

“And from what, father? Our coal is out, and we have 
no money to purchase more.” 

“No. I can't spare the light-splits,” muttered the old 
man, musingly, his eyes setting upon the bundle of lathes. 

“No, father. Then, how” — 

“ I am doing no business at all at mending shoes,” said the 
old man, abstractedly, his gaze wandering again to the 
shoe-bench. “ If I get work in that line, I can sit on a stool.” 

“What do you mean, father? ” asked George, wonder- 
ingly. 

“ To split up the old shoe-bench, and build a fire!” was 
the answer. “My poor little Gertie must not catch her 
death of cold.” 

The hatchet circled over his head and shivered into the 
old, well-seasoned timbers. 

The bench was soon chopped into kindling wood, and in a 
short while a bright fire was glowing in the stove. 

Old Calvin Grayson rubbed his hands and smiled con- 
tentedly. 

“If we only had a bowl of soup now, my son,” he ex- 
claimed, “ we would be real happy. We could have that, 
and much more, if it had not been for the rascality of Gil- 
bert Marne, whom I trusted, and 

He paused suddenly. Just then hurried steps echoed 
faintly without, the door was flung open, the snow scurried 
in, and the girl whom we have seen emerge from the alley to 
the rear of the Walnut street Theater, tottered into the 
room. 

“ Gertie, my child ! ” 

“Sister! ” 

“ Yes, father, George. Heaven be praised that I am safe 
at home again, ” was the reply, as the thin-faced girl hastily 
greeted them and made her way to the cheery stove. “ Oh, 
but isn’t this nice,” she continued, joyously, and with a 
slight start of surprise, as she •saw the glowing fire. “ But 
where did oh, father ! ” 

She checked herself as she saw the remains of the shoe- 


22 


GERTR XJDE , 272# GO VERNESS. 

bench. She knew the secret of the genial fire . A sad look 
came to her face. 

“ It matters not, Gertie,” said the old man, with an at- 
tempt at a laugh, watching her countenance narrowly. 
“Truth is, I didn’t need the bench. But you do need a good 
fire, and here it is.” 

He cast a hasty glance at her wet garments. 

The maiden understood his look. 

‘ ‘ I’ll soon be dry, father, ” she said, putting the best face 
on the matter. “Then I must look over the Bulletin again ? 
for ” 

She paused suddenly, her face grew even paler than be- 
fore, and, flinging her wet shawl aside, she sank upon a 
stool. 

Old Calvin Grayson knew what was passing in his daugh- 
ter’s mind. He started. For a moment an agouized ex- 
pression passed over his thin features, and he said softly : 

“I understand, Gertie. I understand just as well as 
though you had told me. But that, too, does not matter. 
You have failed at the theater.” 

“ More, father; I was laughed at. Oh, this is ” 

“There, don’t distress yourself, my child,” and the old 
man strove to speak cheerfully, though his own heart was 
almost breaking. “ There are other chances yet, Gertie.” 

His tone, however, gave the lie to his words. 

A long conversation ensued. 

The stove had been plentifully supplied with wood, and 
Gertie’s old shawl and garments-were soon dry. 

At length, looking up, the maiden drew a crumpled news- 
paper from her bosom, and said : 

“ I must look again through the ‘ help ’ columns; I may 
find something for which I may apply early in the morning, 
for work we must, or, we must starve !” 

She opened the newspaper and closely scanned it. 
Scarcely had she flashed her eyes half down one side, when 
she started violently, flushed deeply, and then paled to a 
hue that was almost ghastly. 

“ Can this be chance?” she whispered, “or is it the un- 
erring finger of fate?” 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 


23 


“What is it, my child?” hurriedly asked the old man, 
struck by her stern manner. 

“Listen, father,” was the reply, as the girl, in a voice 
that was almost sepulchral, read from a newspaper as fol- 
lows: “Wanted a Governess.” 

In a thrilling whisper she read the advertisement which 
is already known to the reader. 

The paper slid from Gertie’s hand ; a marble-like rigidity 
came over her, and she arose. 

“Destiny has so ordered it; the finger of fate beckons 
me on. 1 obey ,” she said. 

“Gertie, Gertie! what mean you, my child?” 

“ Mean, father? Why, to answer this advertisement, and 
to-night — now !” 


CHAPTER Y. 

FOREBODINGS. 

Old Calvin Grayson reeled back and gasped for breath, 
as his daughter uttered the words, so quietly, so resolutely, 
as given at the close of the last chapter. He stared at her 
in perfect bewilderment. But, as a darkling scowl swept 
over his brow, he said almost in a whisper : 

“You are mad, my child. You dream when you speak 
thus. Have you forgotten all I have told you? Have you 
forgotten Gilbert Marne’s perfidy? No, no! I cannot be- 
lieve ” 

“I forget nothing , father,” interrupted the girl, vehem- 
ently, while her cheeks glowed and her eyes flashed. “ How 
can I? and have I not been praying for years past for just 
this opportunity ? Aye, father ; I will answer this advertise- 
ment. Once in the rich man’s house, I’ll trust to heaven to 
guide me to the proof of his guilt.” 

‘ ‘ But, Gertie, how can you get ” 

“ I know what you would say, father. But I repeat— I’ll 
answer that advertisement, and in person, this very night. 
I'll go, too, as becomes one asking such a situation, and as I 
once was recognized — a lady 1” and a bitter laugh escaped 
her. “I have the means. I have also what I’ve kept so 
long— my dead mother’s best dress? More than that, I 
have what I have kept from you, thinking to use it in 


24 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

our last extremity; namely, a ten-dollar note. I will 
get ” 

“ What ! do my ears ” 

“ The money is in my trunk. George must run out and 
change it, and, at the same time, order a carriage. The 
money remaining from the hackman’s demand I’ll leave 
with you, father.” 

“A carriage, Gertie? And on such a night as ” 

“Yes; money will accomplish almost anything , father,” 
she interrupted, with a bitter emphasis. “ And money will 
get a carriage. But there’s no time to be lost. I’ll get the 
money ; then George must do the rest, in the meantime, too, 
I'll array myself as befits me.” 

Old Calvin Grayson was almost staggered. 

“ But, my child, Gilbert Marne will find you out; then of 
course ” 

“No; he never laid eyes on me; nor has anyone in his 
household. When that dark transaction took place five 
years ago I, then a girl of seventeen, was finishing my 
education in Paris,” and her voice trembled just the 
least. 

“ But your name, my child,” persisted Mr. Grayson. 

“ He’ll never discover me. My name is Gertrude Garver 
Grayson. I dare say, Gertrude Garver will do.” 

She hurried behind the screen, and soon returned, holding 
between her fingers a bank-note. 

“Take it, George,” she said, giving it to her brother. 
“ Come back as quick as you can.” 

The boy took the money, drew his ragged jacket about 
him, and left the house at once. 

Gertrude once more retired behind the screen, and her 
poor old father, lost in wonder, sank upon a stool. 

Several minutes later George returned ; he was panting for 
breath. But he had succeeded in his errand. He had se- 
cured a coach, and it was even then, he said, at the entrance 
of the alley on Bainbridge street. It could not get into the 
narrow alley. The driver’s fee was to be five dollars. 

All this he hurriedly told, as Gertrude stepped calmly and 
queenly-like from behind the screen. 

£fo one would scarcely have recognized Gertrude now, as 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


25 

the wet, bedraggled girl, who, a half hour before had strug- 
gled in the grasp of Felix Flash. 

“ My dear mother’s dress, and some of my old-time finery, 
father,” she said with a low, bitter laugh, as she noted the 
old man’s half-sorrowful, half-admiring look. At the same 
time she crushed into his hand five dollars, and continued : 

“ Late though it is, get something to eat, father; you and 
George need food. Now, under no circumstances write to 
me, or let my whereabouts or our miserable house be known 
to any one. You shall hear from me, and successful or not, 
I shall see you again. Farewell, father, brother, but only 
fora time. Remember,” and she hissed the words, “the 
finger of fate beckons me on. I follow.” 

She kissed them both, and turned toward the door, but 
she paused and said : 

“I forgot, I must go prepared to stay. My trunk, 
George — ’tis light enough, please convey it to the car- 
riage.” 

The lad willingly shouldered the trunk. It was a light 
one indeed. 

Five minutes later, as Gertrude entered the coach, she 
said to'the snow-covered driver: 

“Number , West Rittenhouse Square, and as quick 

as you can.” 

The man started at the mention of this aristocratic 
locality, but, doubtless thinking she was some wealthy 
young miss on an errand of charity, he ascended to the 
box and drove off. 

That night, late though the hour was, old Calvin Gray- 
son and George enjoyed a substantial meal, and when the 
two got ready to retire to their humble couch of rags, both 
prayed God to watch over the frail one, who had gone into 
the world with such a lofty resolve. 

******** 

It was midnight when Dr. Reginald Hoy arose from his 
chair in his cosy office. More than two hours before he 
had returned home. During all the time which had passed, 
he had been seated before the grate, in which the red coals 
glowed cheerily. 


26 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

When at last he arose, he muttered as he glanced toward 
a back door opening into another room : 

“ By Jove ! I’ve been dreaming ! The time has slipped by 
without my knowing it. I must to bed, or I’ll not be fit for 
practice to-morrow. Well, well,” and he lowered the gas 
in the office; “ strange things happen in this world. ’Pon 
my soul, there are times when T think there is such a thing 
as the finger of fate ! That poor girl’s voice to-night re- 
minded me strangely of beautiful, amiable, great-hearted 
Gertrude Grayson. But I thought her dead, or,” — hesitat- 
ingly — “married years ago. She was the only girl I ever 
loved. I do not love Hulda Marne, splendid and glittering 
as she is. I am dazzled by her queenly beauty, and I can’t 
help it. As to love, bah! Well, I only wish that I could 
be led once more to Gertrude Grayson, even though it 
should be by this mythical finger of fate. 

He passed through the door beyond, into his bedroom. 
******** 

It was an hour later than the above when old Gilbert 
Marne slowly entered his luxurious chamber. 

The wind was wailing around the house, and *the flying 
snow was striking heavily against the windows. 

As the old man heard the driving of the storm he 
dropped into a satin-lined chair and muttered hoarsely : 

“ Howl on, howl on, ye winds. You are well in keeping 
with my troubled soul. That face, that pale, sad face of 
the infernal, beautiful governess. How it already haunts 
me. How it reminds me of the former time elegant, hand- 
some features of Calvin Grayson. Yes, her eyes! her 
words, her every action ! Good heavens ! Can there be any- 
thing in this of the finger of fate!” 


CHAPTER YI. 

“g. G. G.” 

We must go hack a little. 

When old Gilbert Marne first laid his eyes on the late 
caller — the applicant answering the advertisement — he 
started abruptly, as we have before given. He turned his 
head quickly, and thrusting his hands into the pockets of 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 27 

his smoking-jacket, wheeled toward the chair which he 
had just left. 

Hulda, grand and stately, yet eager withal, did not notice 
him ; she was occupied in closely, almost impertinently, scan- 
ning the face of Gertie Grayson. She seemed pleased with 
the scrutiny, for she smiled contentedly. But as her eyes 
wandered over the neat, but faded attire of the poor girl, 
she sneered just the slightest. 

Gertrude paid no heed to this, though her quick eyes ob- 
served it. She, too, was engaged. She was closely, but 
covertly, watching old Gilbert Marne. The first thing she 
did on entering the room was to flash her eyes hastily over 
him. She noticed his start, his sudden pallor, his abrupt 
turning away as he saw her. 

For a moment, Gertrude’s heart sank within her ; the ar- 
teries along her neck pulsed tumultuously, and the faint, 
tinging blood fled from her cheeks. She feared that al- 
ready, and in face of all circumstances, she was discovered, 
but trusting to blind chance, she recovered herself, and 
bowing low, said in a clear, sweet voice : 

“ I beg pardon for calling at such an unseasonable hour 
and in* such weather; but, now that lam here, I will state 
that this advertisement is the occasion of my visit.” 

She took from her pocket the small strip which she had 
cut from the newspaper. 

“ Exactly ; and would you like the place?” asked Hulda. 

“ I think I would, most decidedly, Miss Marne — for such 
I take you to be ; and that gentleman, I presume, is your 
father?” 

As Gertrude spoke, her eyes wandered again to the rich 
man. 

“Yes, I am Gilbert Marne, Esq.,” answered the rich man, 
before Hulda could say a word. “Iam the owner of this 
house, to say nothing of other little properties, and I put 
that advertisement in the paper. Let me tell you, Miss 
or Madame, whatever you are, that I have a trifle to say in 
this confounded governess matter!” 

This speech was delivered with the most insulting and 
disgusting pomposity, as the old man arose and strode to- 
ward Gertrude, dangling his watch chain the while. 


28 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

The poor girl started back ; for a moment her thin cheeks 
reddened, her eyes glittered, and her proud curved lips 
went together like a vise. An angry retort was upon her 
tongue, for she had spirit enough, and an inborn pride, too, 
which no circumstances could daunt. But in an instant 
she recalled her position, her humble station in life, and she 
controlled herself. As her face paled again to its wonted 
hue, and her eye-lashes fringed upon her hungry -pinched 
cheeks, she said, apologetically : 

“ I beg pardon, Mr. Marne, for not addressing ” 

“ Beg pardon!” broke in the black-haired Hulda impetu- 
ously, her bosom heaving, her eyes glinting, and the hot 
blood of anger flashing through her veins. ‘‘You shall do 
no such thing, young woman. Beg his pardon ! Nonsense. 
I am ashamed of you, father. I, too, have something to 
say here. Pay no heed to him, Miss and, speaking in a 
milder tone, she turned to Gertrude. “ ’Tis his way; he 
happens to be rich, and knows it abundantly well — that's 
all. But please close the door, lay aside your shawl and be 
seated ; we’ll talk. I like your looks, and I am dying to 
have a governess ; it is so aristocratic, so tonish , you know. ” 

She uttered these words with a languid yawn, casting 
herself in a chair, and not even looking at the millionaire, 
her father. 

Gertrude quietly closed the door, and took a seat. 

“Thank you, thank you from my heart, Miss Marne!” 
she said, gratefully. 

“ Why, I — that is I — why, hang it! I beg your pardon, 
Misswhat’s-your-name,” blurted out old Marne, with a very 
red face. He had been cowed by the imperious manner of 
his daughter. “ I didn’t mean to ” 

“Do not make a bad matter worse, papa; that will do,” 
interrupted Hulda, bluntly. 

“By Jove! child, I ” 

“There, father!” and her voice was sterner than ever. 
“Time is flying; it is not far from midnight; we must 
go to bed sometimes before day; but we must first make 
arrangements with the governess here, who has so kind- 
ly ” 

“Make arrangements!” impetuously exclaimed the old 


29 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

man, as though he could not contain himself under this. 
“ By J ove ! how do you know she’ll suit? I must have first, 
class or nothing. 

“ Are you married or single?” asked Hulda, paying no at- 
tention to her father, further than to give him an angry, 
scornful look. She was favorably impressed with the al- 
most marvelous beauty of Gertrude’s face. 

The poor girl started perceptibly, and a deep blush man- 
tled her cheeks. But with a sweet smile she answered in a 
tremulous voice. 

“I was never married, Miss Marne, and,” hesitatingly, 
“ I never expect to be.” 

“I should, indeed, think your chances are a trifle slender,” 
muttered old Marne, half aloud, though his little eyes lin- 
gered admiringly upon Gertrude. 

“How old are you?” pursued Hulda, not noticing her 
father’s rude interruption — her glance passing rapidly over 
the young girl’s face. 

“Just twenty-two, Miss Marne.” 

‘ ‘ Exactly my age. Yet you must be ever so much smarter 
than I am, for you speak French. Do you understand the 
language well?” 

“Almost as well as I do my own,” was the prompt, but 
modest reply. ‘ 1 1 was in Paris nearly three years, finishing 
my education, I only returned when ” 

She stammered and colored. She was speaking too fast ; 
but in a moment she continued, completing her sentence 
thus : “When circumstances compelled me.” 

“Ah, yes; money gave out, eh?” asked the old man, 
bluntly. 

“Yes, sir; a sudden reversal of fortune overtook us,” was 
the quiet, unfaltering reply, as Gertrude lifted her eyes and 
looked him steadily in the face. 

The millionaire felt her reproof, or whatever was meant 
in her glance ; for he quickly turned his head away. But, 
as a bright look beamed over his face, he wheeled toward 
her again, and with an air that was absurdly pompous, said ; 

“ You lived in Paris nearly three years, eh?” 

“Yes sir»” 


30 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

“ Good. Now, as I understand a trifle of this confounded 
French lingo myself, why I’ll ” 

“ You , papa?” and Hulda laughed merrily. 

“Yes, I !” and the old man scowled at her. “Be pleased 
to curb your hilarity, girl. I am addressing this young 
lady. Now, miss,” and he turned to Gertrude again, “if 
you have been in France so long, voos parly Franshay avuws 
nesser parf Responded in Franshay, sill voos play. There 
now, answer,” and he smiled as though he had achieved a 
Napoleonic victory. 

It was all that Gertrude could do to repress a smile ; it 
was rippling over her lips. But controlling her risibles, she 
replied : 

Avec Ceaucoup de plaisir monsieur; pardonnez-mir ; votre 
pronunciation n'est pas la meilleur.” 

“Yes, yes — ah! exactly,” said Mr. Marne. “The deuce! 
She is too much for me, ” he grunted to himself, as he turned 
away. 

“ Ton my soul! ” exclaimed Hulda, who was surprised at 
her father’s proficiency in French ; and, as though she had 
forgotten something of more importance, “ pardon me, Miss, 
but what is your name?” 

Old Marne turned quickly and listened. 

The young girl reddened just the slightest, and her lips 
trembled, as she answered : 

“Gertrude, Miss Marne— Gertrude Garver.” 

“ Ah ! ” ejaculated the rich man, as if relieved. Glancing 
at his watch, he continued : “ If my daughter likes you, why, 
of course ” 

“ And I do like her,” said Hulda, quite positively. “ I’m 
sure that I’ll soon be a good French scholar. You may 
consider yourself engaged, Miss Garver.” 

“Eh! What? Ah, yes; and we now come to the point 
in which I will have something to say. What are your 
terms per week, Miss Garver? What did you receive at 
your last place? Quick, if you please; business is business, 
and it is getting late.” 

Gertrude colored viciously ; but she said : 

“ I never before went out as governess, sir. I scarcely 
have an idea of the worth of my services. But I suppose, 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


31 


for I am wanted, it is worth — but where is the young miss 
of fourteen mentioned in the advertisement?” 

“ In bed and asleep. But your terms?” 

“Anything that you may think right, sir.” 

“ That’s fair. Well, I suppose five dollars a week would 
do. You know your board must be counted, to say noth- 
ing of your washing and other ” 

“Father, are you dreaming? Five dollars! Bah! It 
shall be twenty-five — not a penny less.” 

“ But, Hulda, I can’t afford to ” 

“Can’t afford! Pshaw! Suppose our friends should 
learn that you only gave our governess the niggardly sum 
of five dollars! No, indeed; it shall be twenty -five.” 

“ True enough ; I hadn’t thought of that,” said Mr. Marne, 
acquiescing at once. “I can pay as much as anybody 
else can, and, zounds! I will. Twenty-five dollars it shall 
be.” 

“Oh! thank you, sir. Thank you, Miss Marne,” mur- 
mured Gertrude, gratefully. 

“ And now, Miss. Garver, I am a business man, even in 
trifles like these ; there’s nothing like being so. I’ll draw 
up a contract which you must sign.” 

“Certainly, Mr. Marne.” 

The old gentleman turned to the table, wrote a few hasty 
lines and handed the ink-wet sheet to Gertrude. The maiden 
glanced over it, and handing it ‘back, said: 

“Please interline at this point, sir, the following: ‘in 
case, however, intervening circumstances may not pre- 
vent.' ” 

“Ponmysoul! You are business-like, too,” muttered 
Mr. Marne, taking the sheet. 

“ You have just said, sir, that there is nothing like it,” 
answered Gertrude, with a quiet smile. 

A moment and the old man held up the strip of paper 
and read : 

“ I hereby engage to give my services as governess to the 
family of Gilbert Marne, Esq., for the space of six months 
from date, incase, however, that intervening circumstances 
may not prevent.” 

“I will sign that, sir,” and Gertrude, approaching the 


32 


OERTR UDE, THE GO VERNESS. 


table, affixed her signature to the paper: “Gertrude Gar- 
ver,” and the pen slid from her almost powerless fingers. 

She had been on the point of adding just another word — 
Grayson. 

“All right,” and Mr. Marne folded the sheet, and put it 
in the table-drawer. 

“Now, father, to clinch the bargain and show your gen- 
erosity,” said Hulda, smiling condescendingly at Gertrude, 
“pay Miss Garverone week’s salary, in advance.” 

“What, advance! Ah, yes, and the old man, catching 
Hulda’s imperious glance, drew out his portly pocket-book, 
and from it took five crispy bank-bills. With a pompous 
air he handed them to Gertrude. 

“Oh, thanks, sir, thanks; I did not ” 

“ Tut, tut. I do nothing by halves, Miss Garver. Now,” 
and he glanced at his watch, suggestively, ‘ ‘ you had better 
show Miss Garver to her room, Hulda; midnight is almost 
on the minute.” 

The girls arose at once and left the library. 

When they were in the passage, Hulda, throwing her 
arm around Gertrude’s slender waist, said : 

‘ * I will call you Gertrude, Miss Garver ; and you may 
call me Hulda ; save in company, you know ; then I am 
Miss Marne. ” 

“ You are very kind, Miss — I mean, Hulda,” replied Ger- 
trude, rather coldly. 

They paused at the next door, which opened into a room 
adjoining the library. 

Ten minutes later as Hulda appeared alone in the passage, 
she muttered : 

“ I’m not so sure that I’ll like that pretty-faced governess 
after all. Her eyes fairly glared on papa when she thought 
she was not observed. Then, too, she is beautiful. What 
will Keginald— yes, and he too speaks French. Well, I’ll 
bid John take her trunk up there to her.” 

A few moments after this, old Gilbert Marne was about 
to extinguish the light in the library. At that moment, 
John, the coachman, passed the open door carrying a 
trunk. It was a small ship-trunk ; it bore several railroad 
paper checks, evidently French, 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 83 

Old Marne started as he saw the trunk. On one end he 
had seen three letters thus: “G. G. G.” 

“ Three G’s?” he muttered. “ Confound it! G is the first 
letter of Grayson !” 


CHAPTER VII. 

MAHLO, THE AFRICAN. 

“Pshaw!” muttered Mr. Marne, with a laugh, as he 
turned the gas on again and shut the door. “ G may stand 
for Grayson, but it stands for Garver, too. The girl has a 
middle name ; that’s all. I’m an old ass !” 

Up and down the room he strode. 

Time passed. 

The more the rich man 4 walked, however, the more per- 
turbed he seemed to be. 

His face was soon black with a scowl. 

“ By heavens!” he muttered at last, in a low, unguarded 
tone. “ I can’t drive that girl’s face from my mind. It is 
wondrously like that of Calvin Grayson, as I first knew 
him a long time ago. Aye ! like his even when I made that 
famous bargain with him five years ago. Ha ! ha ! — I ” 

He paused suddenly; a half-bright, half-uneasy look 
spread over his face. 

“ By Jove, I have that paper now! It is worth a great 
deal to me. But this girl’s face ! I must put that paper 
away , and forever! Felix Flash, who was a party to the 
transaction, and who was paid liberally for it, must help 
me. Yes — a bright thought! I can get tools here easy 
enough; and I can, if necessary, frame an excuse. Yes, 
Flash must help me. When ’tis hid in that way, Satan 
himself cannot find it.” 

His words were spoken in a high key, almost loud enough, 
so still was the house, to be heard in the passage without. 

He extinguished the light and left the room. As he walked 
on he ejaculated : 

“Yes! her face does haunt me. I’ll fix that matter to- 
morrow night.” 

******* 

Gertrude — Gertrude Garver, as she was known in the 
mansion — stood close by the cheerful grate in the handsome 


84 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

room that had been assigned her. Hulda had been gone 
some minutes. 

“At last! at last!” she murmured in a bitter, but trium- 
phant tone. “I’ve won! I’ll be an ever wakeful spy. At 
last I am here, and I am Gertrude the Governess. Ah! 
heavens! but— hark! Sh! do my ears ” 

The murmurings died upon her lips. 

She turned slowly around and gazed above her head. Her 
eyes rested upon a polished square of bronzed grate-work. 
It was set in the chimney near the wall, next to the library. 

To it were attached two silk cords with tasseled pulls. The 
square was a ventilator ; the cords were for the purpose of 
opening or shutting the ventilator^t pleasure. 

The ventilator was now open. 

What had so startled Gertrude was the loud, yet deadened 
sound of a man’s voice. It came from the library ; it was 
Gilbert Marne’s. The young governess distinctly heard the 
reference made to her. She knew that there was a corre- 
sponding ventilator in the library. 

Trembling in every limb, and scarcely breathing for fear of 
being heard, Gertrude stole to the door, noiselessly turned 
the key in the lock, and returned to the hearth. A moment 
and she had set a chair cautiously against the wall; another 
and she had mounted and placed her eyes on a level with the 
bronzed ventilator. 

She was right in her surmise; there was another square of 
grating opening into the library. 

Though she could not see much, she could hear every- 
thing distinctly. 

And every word of old Gilbert Marne’s soliloquy, his 
mention of the mysterious paper, his muttered plans con- 
cerning it — everything — was borne to Gertrude’s greedy 
ears. 

She came near slipping from the chair; but, controlling 
herself, she listened breathlessly, until the light was extin- 
guished and Mr. Marne left the library. 

Almost fainting, she stepped to the floor. She was as 
white as a sheet ; her bosom was heaving, and her eyes were 
flashing. 

“So soon,” she muttered, with a hiss, which came with a 


GERTRUDE', THE GOVERNESS. 35 

strange harshness from her lovely lips. “That paper! 
What is it? My presence here connected with it ! A single 
hour in this mansion, and already I’m on the track. Oh, 
can I believe it? Dare I believe that I am indeed following 
the finger of fate? ” 

* * * * * * *■* 

Felix Flash and his towering companion, Mahlo, the Afri- 
can, emerged from the liquor saloon on Fifth street. 

“ Late, Mahlo! ” ejaculated Flash, as they hurried away. 

He spoke as though he was answering an expostulation 
from the negro. 

“What care I for that? Aye! and what should you! 
Bah ! late ! Come ; we have some fine brandy at the press- 
room ; we can have a fine time there. I want to see you on 
business, besides giving an hour’s work to the plate.” 

The gigantic African made no further objection. 

Truth is that, though Flash had spoken somewhat banter- 
ingly, he had, also, spoken very decidedly, and as if he 
would take no refusal. 

They turned into Walnut street, and strode along. 

They seemed to care nothing for the storm, which was 
howling fiercer than ever. 

The brandy kept them warm, to say nothing of their snug 
overcoats. 

They made good headway. 

They reached Front street. 

Wheeling to the left, they passed on about half a square 
to the north. 

They stopped at a large, arched wagonway which opened 
into a court, back. 

The place was in Egyptian darkness. Not a sound could 
be heard there, save the mournful sighing of the wind 
sweeping under the arch. 

The two men paused a moment and glanced around them. 
This, if they feared detection seemed entirely unnecessary, 
for the locality appeared deserted, not a living soul being 
in sight. 

However, Flash peered keenly around him. 

“I distrust that watchful blue-coat,” he muttered, as, 
followed by Mahlo, he darted into the wagon way. “I’ve 
caught him watching us more than once ; he is on his beat 


36 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

to-night; I’m well posted! But, come, Malilo, the devil 
himself couldn’t see us to-night.” 

With a low laugh he hurried on. 

The next moment the two had disappeared. 

Scarcely had they gone when a tall brawny form quietly 
drew from the obscurity of a doorway on the other side of 
the thoroughfare, crossed the street and strolled slowly to- 
wards the wagonway. 

It was a man. 

As he passed under a flaring lamp, his cap, blue coat, 
brass buttons and club, proclaimed his calling. 

He was a policeman; and a watchful, wide-awake one at 
that. 

His step grew slower, and at last he paused right at the 
spot where Flash and Mahlo had stood a few moments 
before. 

For a minute he remained motionless, as with his hol- 
lowed hand to his ear, he bent his head and listened. 

“They stopped here; I saw ’em plain enough,” he ejacu- 
lated as he staightened up and glanced into the black pass- 
ageway. “I’ve been spotting them chaps for a Hark! 

— Sh!” 

He stopped abruptly. 

Just then a sudden sharp sound as if the shooting of a 
heavy bolt echoed distinctly from the shadows beyond. 

Then came the cautious opening and closing of a door. 

The policeman slid into the darkness by the wall. There 
he stood for ten minutes. But no other suspicious sounds 
came to his ears. 

“ By the old Harry !” he muttered as he returned to the 
spot where he had first been standing. ‘ ‘ I kinder think that 
at least, I’m on the right track o’ them softs! I’ll make ready 
for the matter, and — now.” 

He flung a hasty glance around him, and drawing a dark 
lantern from his capacious overcoat pocket, bent over the 
snow. He started slightly, and chuckled as he muttered : 

‘ ‘ By the old Harry ! I’ve struck it in the first pop !” 

He was looking at something in the snow. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 87 

That something was deep, indented footprints. But the 
flying flakes were fast filling them. 

The policeman stopped, and accurately measured each 
track, notching the lengths, with his hard thumb-nail, on 
his club. Then he crept along, holding the lantern close 
over the snow. He was following the tracks. They led 
into a large rectangular court, straight to the fc steps of a tall, 
narrow building. 

There they ceased, the last impressions being seen in the 
snow, which covered the topmost step. 

The officer smiled firimly. Slowly he straightened up and 
held the lamp above his head. 

He started perceptibly, and his smile deepened into a 
chuckle of satisfaction, as on a sign of japanned tin, tacked 
to the door, he read thus : 

“Atlantic Commercial Agency.— No Admission on any 
pretext whatsoever. Apply by letter .” 

“ Aha ! * no admission !’ We’ll see about that,” muttered 
the officer, hiding the lantern and turning away. ‘ ‘ I’ve 
been watching them chaps for six months ; now I know 
where their roost is. Good. And if Felix Flash, and his 
pard } that well-dressed nigger-sport, ain’t the sole members 
o’ that agency -business, my name ain’t Ned Hallohan o’ the 
force !” 

He soon disappeared. 

Flash and his companion had entered the door which 
bore the sign. 

As soon as they were inside, Flash double-barred the 
door. He next struck a match ; this he did very hastily, 
and lit a small lamp. 

Instantly, as he thrust his right hand in his bosom, he 
retreated behind Mahlo. 

“ Here, my friend; this is your business. Go on.” 

He gave the lamp to his companion. 

“You are scarey!” sneered Mahlo, openly, yet bowing 
like a courtier as he took the lamp. 

Flash started, reddened, and retorted : 

“ Scarey? By the gods, no! not of you, or of any living 
man. I am only cautious, good Mahlo. I hold you in my 
power ; you would free yourself. ’Tis natural. This is a 
lonely place, a wild storm is howling without, and the 


38 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


opportunity could not be better. Surely, Mahlo, you can- 
not forget that a single word from me would send you back 
to St. Domingo, where certain death — ” 

“Aye !” interrupted the other, bitterly. “ But I have not 
forgotten my oath to you, sir! And do you think,” he con- 
tinued, vehemently, “that I would break it? No! And 
mark you, much less would I allow myself to be taken 
back to St. Domingo alive! No! — by all the saints, I 
swear it !” 

Flash was awed by the man’s fierceness, by his wild 
grandeur of appearance. He recoiled a pace and said, 
compromisingly : 

“Go on, Mahlo; time is passing.” 

Without a word the African took the lamp and strode 
down the passage. Flash followed. 

But strange to say, though both walked heavily and 
unguardedly, not the slightest echo was awakened by their 
footfall. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE MYSTERIOUS HOUSE IN THE COURT. 

The two men threaded the length of the long passage 
leading far back into the mysterious house. When they 
paused, at last, it was by a narrow stairway that led 
above. They ascended at once, Mahlo still leading the 
way. 

And on the stairs, too, as in the passage, their heavy foot- 
fall gave forth no sound. The reason of this was that the 
floor of the hall — as were the steps of the stairs — was cover- 
ed with a strip of thick gum-cloth. On this the men trod. 
Up and up they went. At last they reached the fifth story, 
the highest in the tall house. They turned into a passage 
which was so narrow that two persons could not walk 
abreast. 

Mahlo, still going in advance, hurried along this hall, 
which led straight back to the front of the house. He stop- 
ped before the door which was painted black. He pressed 
upon a secret spring in a panel, and the door swung open. 

They entered and closed the door. A moment and the 


39 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

gas-jets of a chandelier, which were burning low, were 
turned on, and the room was flooded with light. 

It was a strange looking room. It was luxuriously car- 
peted, and boasted furniture that would have done no dis- 
grace to the finest apartment in the Girard House. In a 
corner was a bed, which for costliness, corresponded well 
with the richness to be seen on every side. 

But the most singular objects — and which seemed 
strangely out of place — were a long bench littered with en- 
graver’s tools, and two presses. 

One of these latter was an ordinary printing machine; 
the other resembled a highly finished card-press. 

There was only one window to the room ; it looked to- 
ward the east. It was closed with an iron shutter, which 
allowed not the least ray of light to shine out. It was never 
opened by day or by night. Gas was kept continually burn- 
ing in the apartment. 

The reader can imagine what the room was. 

‘ ‘By Jove ! I’m dry again !” muttered Flash, with a laugh, 
as he proceeded to a handsome liquor-box and took out a 
decanter and two cut-glass goblets. “I dare say you are 
the same, Mahlo,” he continued, as he returned to a table 
and seated himself — throwing his over-coat aside. 

He poured out a large drink of liquor, swallowed it greedi- 
ly, and shoved the decanter towards his companion. 

Mahlo hesitated; but it was only for a moment. He 
clutched the decanter, as if he could not resist the tempta- 
tion, and drank a goblet half full of liquor. 

Flash smiled covertly and contentedly. 

After a moment had passed, Mahlo, whose eyes were 
dancing under the influence of his deep potations, said sug- 
gestively : 

“You wish to talk with me — to ask my advice, sir?” 

“Aye; and chiefly to get your help, Mahlo,” answered 
Flash, scowling as the memory of the recent events returned 
to him. “I followed that girl to-night, you know. Well, I 
caught a Tartar! Beginald Hoy — that confounded iron- 
armed physician — came to her assistance ; he struck me ! 
And by ” 


40 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 

A conversation lasting some twenty minutes ensued. 
When it ended, Mahlo said: 

“ I understand you, Mr. Flash. I am your slave ! Let me 
know when, and the work shall be done.” 

“ Good !” muttered Flash, swallowing another drink and 
rising. “ Count on me to let you know ! But now I’ll look 
at the plate. With it I am working to catch old Gilbert 
Marne.” 

His last words were spoken in a low tone, and as if he 
was talking to himself. But Mahlo’s quick ears caught 
them. 

“How did you become acquainted with the great mil- 
lionaire, sir? What are your relations to him?” he asked, 
bluntly. 

Flash recoiled ; his cheeks flushed, and he retorted : 

“ What the deuce is that to you?” 

“I meant nothing, sir,” said the African, quietly, as he 
steadily met the other’s gaze. 

“Then all that is necessary for you to know,” said Flash, 
more wildly, “ is, that five years ago I made his acquaint- 
ance at a dinner-party in Pittsburgh, at the Monongahela 
House. I then and there made enough money through his 
agency to go to St. Domingo. There I was a regular Don. 
Besides that, I will tell you that I am bent on making more 
money out of Gilbert Marne — a sweet pile !” 

He went to the bench, picked up a rectangular copper- 
plate, and bent over it, working with graver and maul, for 
several moments. 

Mahlo help himself to another drink, and watched his 
companion. 

“ I say, Mahlo,” muttered Flash, glancing around, and as 
if he had forgotten something: “ Suppose you strike off for 
me, a few hundred tens and twenties? I am short again, es- 
pecially in the ‘queer.’” 

He turned to work again at the plate, while Mahlo obedi- 
ently arose, laid aside his coat and rolled up his sleeves, re- 
vealing a pair of ebony -lined arms which would have en- 
raptured a sculpture or a painter. He approached one of 
the presses. Adjusting a couple of plates, he fed the ma- 
chine with strips of paper, and set to work. 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 41 

In ten minutes he laid a pile of clean, elegantly printed 
bank-notes upon the bench by Flash. That man glanced at 
them, smiled, and hiding them in his pocket, muttered : 

‘ ‘ Reel beauties ! Old Marne himself, keen as he is, could 
not tell them from the genuine. I may try him soon !” 

Flash at last paused at his work, and holding the plate 
close to the light examined it through a powerful glass. 

“By Jove!” he muttered in a triumphant tone, “it will 
do; I’ll try it.” 

He advanced to the card-press, inserted the plate, slipped 
in a half sheet of paper and took an impression. 

“Beautiful!” exclaimed Mahlo, as his eyes fell on the 
sheet when Flash drew it from the press. 

The impression looked like a blank certificate of stock. 
It was finely executed. 

“ Here is the genuine one,” said Flash, exultantly, draw- 
ing a strip of paper from his bosom, and placing it along- 
side the impression just made. “By Jove!” it would take 
the microscope to detect the deceit.” 

It was nearly midnight when Flash cautiously let himself 
out of the mysterious house, and entered the dark court. 

He hurried away through the storm, which was still 
howling, as though he was perfectly familiar with the 
place. 

He was alone. 

And the tall house was wrapped in funereal gloom from 
garret to cellar. 

A half hour later, he ascended the steps of a fine man- 
sion far out Pine street. 

It was his residence. 

Flash, however, had been seen when he left the wagon- 
way far back on Front street. 

Crouched in the shadows of the passage, close against 
the wall, was Ned Hallohan, the policeman. 

He saw Flash. 

More than that, he heard the fellow’s, satisfied ejacula- 
tions. 

“So! so!” muttered the officer; “there’s some kind of 
rascality afloat, or I’m as deaf as a doorpost! That was 
the white fellow. He does not sleep in that house ; but the t 


42 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 

nigger does. Well, I’m on the track; and the scent is 
strong !” 

He left the place just in time to meet his relief at the 
corner. 

For ten minutes after Flash had left the mysterious press- 
room, Mahlo, the African, sat gazing into the fire which 
glowed in the grated hearth. 

At last, he arose, took yet another drink, and glanced 
toward the bed. 

“Felix Flash, the villain! Felix Flash! the man who 
holds me by the throat, remembers everything ! ’’ he mut- 
tered with a hiss. “But, perhaps, he forgets one very im- 
portant item : That my oath to him expires just one month 
from to-night ! ” 

He lowered the light. 

s]e s|c sjc sfc 

The stormy night had passed at last ; the sun rose bright 
and clear, and glittered over the snow-covered city. 

The clouds had blown away. 

It was_ at a late hour that morning when old Gilbert 
Marne, awoke from an uneasy slumber. 

He awoke, too, with a start. As he struggled to his elbow 
and glared around him, his eyes seemed to start from his 
head, and his cheeks were like ashes. 

i 1 Good heavens ! ” he gasped. ‘ ‘ It was so real, so life-like 
that infernal dream. The white-faced governess, her thril- 
ling words, her fierce denunciation, old Grayson’s ghost — 
aye, all ! And, above, in the black air, pointing at the 
hidden box was that pale ghastly finger of fate.” 


CHAPTER IX. 

ON DUTY. 

It was a long time before the rich man could control him- 
self, so fearfully was he worked upon by the dream. Nor 
did he entirely recover his equanimity, until he slid from 
the bed and took a stiff drink of raw rum. 

A half hour later, when he descended to the breakfast- 
room, he started just the slightest, and frowned, as he saw 
Hulda and the new governess there. 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


43 


bad been awaiting him a half hour. 

* csfvrwed. 

' ' 1 Marne and Gertrude met ; 
in each ^ __ head away. 

Hulda was all mirth arm ' " -* had already 

been arranging with the governs : ench 

lessons. 

The door, just then, was suddenly flung open, and a lovely 
young girl of fourteen broke into the apartment. In some 
particulars, she was almost the very image of Hulda. She 
had the same midnight hair, the same flashing eyes, the 
same proud mouth, the same symmetrical form. But her 
face had not that cold, marble-like pallor which was such 
a distinguishing feature about the imperious Hulda. Her 
cheeks glowed with the rich, red roses of health. Her eyes, 
too, though they were black and flashing, shone with a 
warm, kindly luster. 

This fascinating young miss was what, most emphatically, 
might be called a romp. She was brimming over with 
spirits — was full to the chin, with life and fun. 

This was Alice Marne, the millionaire’s youngest born; 
strange though it was, however, she was not the old man’s 
favorite. 

The reader may soon learn why this was the case. 

“Ah! papa! you lazy old fellow !” she exclaimed, with a 
ringing laugh, flashing her eyes over the table, as if taking 
in the bill of fare. ‘ ‘And so you, and the grand Miss Hulda 
are down at last ! Truth be told, you sat up late enough last 
night ; for I heard you both when you went to bed ; and 
pshaw!” and an expression of disgust which was very amus- 
ing, came over her face, as again she glanced at the table. 
“Ton my soul, we have those everlasting mutton-chops 
again !” 

“ Hold your tongue, Alice!” said the old man, reddening. 
“You may be thankful, child, if you can always get mut- 
ton-chops.” 

Alice laughed again, and was about to make some reply ; 
but just then Hulda interposed and said, with chilling 
dignity : 


44 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS , 


“You are old enough, Alice, to restrain -ww*’ 
presence of company. And- 

* ‘ Company — eh ? — A x ' ju, and 

flashed her prettv 

‘ ( Y°o j.nis is our governess, Miss 

Gar« 

For some reason or other, Alice had not discovered the 
presence of Gertrude ; she certainly had not noticed her. 
But, as Hulda gave the curt introduction, the young girl 
flashed a close, scrutinizing glance over the new governess. 
Her look was, indeed, a stare ; but there was nothing im- 
pertinent in it ; far from it. Curiosity, impulse, yearning, 
and suddenly awakened tenderness showed, however, and 
plainly enough. 

For a moment, she gazed at Gertrude, until, in fact, the 
poor governess colored and looked down. Then stepping 
impetuously forward, she threw her arms cordially around 
Gertrude’s neck and kissed her. 

“I’m so glad you have come, so glad that we have a 
governess at last, Miss Garver !” she said as she drew bdck. 
“Now, Hulda’s mind is easy; and I’m sure we — you and 
myself — will be great friends. I love you already.” 

“ Thank you, thank you, from my heart, Alice,” an- 
swered Gertrude with thrilling earnestness. 

“Oh, say nothing on that point,” said Alice, hastily; 
“thanks should come from us. But, Miss Garver,” and 
she sunk her voice, as her bright eyes swept over Gertrude’s 
faded dress, “ pardon me for saying it ; you must indeed be 
poor to come and teach such know-nothings as Hulda and 
myself. I ” 

“ Alice!” exclaimed Hulda. 

“Very poor, Alice,” murmured Gertrude in a half-bitter 
tone, as for a moment, her heart almost ceased to beat. 

“ Be seated, Alice, and keep a quiet tongue in your head,” 
said Mr. Marne, angrily. 

“ Pay no attention to her, Gertrude,” whispered Hulda, 
her cheeks tingling with shame; “She is young and inex- 
perienced.” 

‘ ‘ Oh, forgive me, Miss Garver,” pleaded Alice, tears start- 
ing to her eyes, as, paying no heed whatsoever to her father 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


45 


or Hulda, she hurried to Gertrude and flung her arms once 
again around her neck. “Oh, Miss Garver, I meant ” 

“ There, there, Alice,” interrupted the governess, sooth- 
ingly, and in a way that was almost motherly. “ You asked 
me a plain and natural question ; I answered you ; that it 
all. Think no more of it, Alice, ” she continued in a whisper, 
“ I like you, too, and I am sure we’ll be friends.” 

Alice shot a quick, loving glance at the fair, sad-faced 
speaker, and returned to her seat at the table. 

The breakfast passed in silence, despite Hulda’s hilarity. 
A constraint seemed to have fallen upon every one by Alice’s 
innocent question. 

This feeling was heightened, too, when Hulda’s glancing 
covertly at the governess, saw silent tears trickling down 
her cheeks. 

When the meal was over and Mr. Marne was about leav- 
ing the room, he paused, and said very abruptly to 
Gertrude : 

“Pardon me, Miss Garver; but I saw your trunk last 
night. It had on it three G’s. I was not aware that you 
had failed to sign your full name to the contract. 

His small black eyes blazed over her. 

Fortunately for her, Gertrude’s back was toward the rich 
man as he spoke ; nor were Hulda or Alice in a position to 
see her face. In an instant her cheeks were like scarlet ; in 
the next they were as white as a new-cut tombstone. But, 
slowly facing the millionaire, she said : 

“ I have a middle name, sir; but I thought that plain 
‘ Gertrude Garver ’ would do. I shall most certainly fulfill 
my contract, unless circumstances should prevent .” 

Mr. Marne paid no heed to her emphasis, but he still 
paused by the door, as if he had something else on his 
mind. 

“ Pardon me again, Miss Garver,” he remarked, in a cool 
tone — one far from being apologetic. “ I would ask if you 
have a father and mother living?” 

“ A father, sir; my mother is dead!” answered Gertrude, 
in a low, tremulous voice. 

4 ‘ Ah? yes. Any other relatives?” 

“A brother, sir, sixteen years old.” 


46 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

“ If he is like you, Miss G-arver, I know lie is perfectly 
splendid !” broke in Alice, impulsively. 

“ Shut up, Alice ! And what does your father do for a 
living?” asked old Marne, persistently. 

Gertrude’s cheeks again reddened ; but as a sneer curled 
her lip, she answered softly : 

“He is a shoemaker, sir.” 

“A shoemaker! Good heavens!” and the proud Hulda 
drew back, as though touched by poison. 

“A shoemaker! Hum! ha! yes,” muttered old Marne, 
grimly, a smile of disdain passing over his course features. 

But Alice made no comment, she only looked tenderly 
v and sympathizingly at the pale-faced governess. 

Gertrude started and replied hastily : 

“’Tis no disgrace, Mr. Marne, to be a shoemaker. 

“Oh! — Ah! yes; exactly,” and the rich man, with crim- 
soning cheeks, left the room. 

An hour later, Gertrude had begun her duties in the 
grand mansion. She found Hulda to be quick and bril- 
liant, but entirely superficial — as one, who -would willing- 
ly and eagerly learn, but who would use her knowledge 
simply as a means to add to her display, her show in society. 
It was different with Alice. She was a fine girl, and pos- 
sessed of an expansive, comprehensive mind, In real mental 
acquirements, she was immeasurably superior to her re- 
splendent sister. 

Gertrude, in fact, had hard work with Hulda. After the 
first lesson, when she retired to her room, she shook her 
head half sadly and murmured: 

“ This elegant young lady will never learn French ! Yet 
she is the one who has ensnared the heart of the handsome, 
noble Reginald Hoy? Aye! and she dreams not that five 
years ago, he whispered tales of love in my ear !” 

CHAPTER X. 

DR. HOY’S VISITOR. 

Old Gilbert Marne went from the breakfast-room to the 
library. His brow, which had been at first open and un- 
clouded, contracted as he strode up and down the limits of 
the room. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


47 


“ Confound it!” he muttered, after more than an hour 
had passed. “ Her father may be a shoemaker, or any- 
thing else ; but I’ll be hanged, if I can drive her face from 
my mind. ’Tis the very image of Calvin Grayson’s. How 
her pretty eyes flashed when I twitted her about his being 
a cobbler? Hang the cobbler! Aye! she has just the same 
proud spirit which belonged to Calvin Grayson. I must 
watch her !” 

For some moments more, he continued his restless prome- 
nade; but as his eyes wandered toward the small iron safe, 
he flung himself into a chair and muttered : 

“ I must put that paper away, and forever! That girl, 
be her name Garver, or anything else, must never see it, 
that’s certain. I do not trust her ! And — well I’ll write to 
Flash.” 

He wheeled around in his chair, and drawing a sheet of 
paper toward him, wrote for a moment. 

He was a rapid penman, for he soon held up the sheet. 

He was a bold writer, too, for his characters were large, 
deeply impressed, and remarkably clear. 

On the table was a long, handsomely bound book. 

It looked like an expensive portfolio, but it was nothing 
more than thirty or forty blotting-pad sheets, of various 
fancy colors, bound together. 

It was a common article of the writing desk, transformed 
into a rich man’s luxury. 

Reading the sheet, Mr. Marne thrust the wet-ink lines be- 
tween the leaves ef the blotting-book, and dried them. 

A moment later, he struck a hand-bell on the table, and 
when a domestic appeared, he gave her the letter, saying: 

“Give this to John, Fanchette; tell him to take it to Mr. 
Flash, No. — Pine street.” 

It was past noon that day, when the strange somebody, 
Mr. Felix Flash, opened the front door of his fine residence, 
and leisurely descended the broad steps. 

He, too, had slept late that morning— the reader divines 
why. 

But he was a luxurious fellow with plenty of time, and 
— what is of more account in this world — with plenty of 
money. 


48 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 

Everything moved like clock-work in his splendid bach- 
elor residence. 

He had just reached the sidewalk, when John, the 
coachman at the Marne mansion, approached and handed 
him a letter. 

“From Mr. Marne, sir,” said the man, bowing. “I’m glad 
I’ve seen you.” 

“Ah! yes, John. How are they all at home?” 

“ Quite well, thank you, sir. And the young ladies have 
at last secured a governess,” John hastened to add, as 
though he was imparting something important. 

“ Ah! young or old, handsome or otherwise, John?” ejac- 
ulated Flash, quietly breaking the envelope-flap and taking 
out the sheet. 

“Young, sir — and very handsome — prettier, I think — beg- 
ging her pardon— than Miss Hulda herself.” 

Flash started slightly and glanced at the man. But as a 
mysterious smile flitted over his face, he said : 

“ Indeed !” But is there any answer to this?” 

“ I suppose so, sir.” 

Flash opened the sheet and looked hurriedly over its con- 
tents. A frown of uneasiness wrinkled his narrow brow ; 
but as he thrust the letter in his pocket, and turned up the 
steps, he smiled and said : 

“Yes; this must be answered, John. Come into my 
smoking-room for a moment.” 

The two entered the house. Flash, folloAved by John, as- 
cended a flight of stairs, and soon entered a room just down 
the passage. 

It was the smoking-room; and an odd-looking room it 
was. It was, however, elegantly furnished. 

Flash seated himself by a desk, and dashed off a few 
lines. Giving the envelope to John, he said : 

“ For Mr. Marne; and you may tell him, John, that you 
met me as I was going out.” 

This was a strange message; so John thought, at least, 
as taking the missive, he left the house. 

“Yes, yes,” muttered Flash, when he was all alone, a 
leering smile lifting his long, thin moustache. “Some- 
thing’s up ! The old rascal is troubled about that receipt ; 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 49 

why, Satan himself only knows, I don't! But I’ll let him 
wait ; I'll let him know that I am independent, and that 
I’ll not come and go, as he pleases. But let me read this 
again.” 

He drew the letter from his bosom, and read the follow- 
ing: 

“West Rittenhouse Square, Thursday. 

“Dear Flash: — I am somewhat upset, and yet there 
may be no cause. However, I want to see you — certainly 
to-night. ’Tis about that old-time receipt matter, which 
gave us such a lift five years ago. I have seen a strange 
face, and — hang it! — I’ve had strange dreams! That re- 
ceipt must not pass from my possession. You know why. 
Be sure to come ; I have a plan. And I can easily get tools 
into my library. Come early — certainly not later than ten 
o’clock. 

“Faithfully yours, 

“Gilbert Marne.” 

“Strange face! Strange dreams! Tools! What the 
deuce does he mean!” and Flash frowned. “As to his 
‘ faithfully yours,’ bah ! But it was very imprudent to send 
such a letter by hand. Suppose John had lost it; that 
some one had found it— Reginald Hoy, for instance? — Ha! 
Reginald Hoy! By Jove, I had forgotten him.” He arose 
hastily and tore the letter to bits. ‘ ‘ I must see him at once, 
and make matters right.” 

He left the house and hurried down to Eleventh street. 
Into this he turned and soon reached Spruce street. A few 
moments later he paused before Dr. Hoy’s office. Glancing 
at a sign on the window-sill, he muttered : 

“This is the office-hour; I’ll catch him in.” 

At that very moment the young physician was seated in 
his cosy office. He had just returned from his morning 
calls. A frown of trouble was on his brow, and his eyes 
glared ahead of him. 

‘ ‘ ’Pon my soul !” he muttered in a vexed tone. ‘ ‘ I scarcely 
know what to do. Flash is a rascal, I know ; but he may 
have been simply on a lark. I wish I could believe it. 
What my duty is now, puzzles me. He visits at Mr. 
Marne’s, is on terms of intimacy with the pompous old 


50 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNED. 

gentleman ; and the scoundrel ! — I once thought he lilteu 
his eyes to the peerless Hulda ! But, confound it, it looks 
cowardly to tell what I know. Then, too, do I love Hulda! 
I dare ” 

Just then the bell rang under a heavy, steady pull. A 
moment later, Felix Flash entered the office. 

The physician hurriedly arose. 

“ Pardon this intrusion, Dr. Hoy,” said Flash, quietly, 
and with a courteous bow. “You are surprised ; but in a 
few words, doctor, I am here to ask a favor at your hands.” 

“ Pray be seated, Mr. Flash, and let me know how I can 
serve you,” said Dr. Hoy, his native gentility at once re- 
turning to him, despite his contempt for the visitor. 

“Are you entirely alone, doctor?” and Flash glanced 
around him. 

The physician pondered a few seconds. Why that ques- 
tion? He knew much to the discredit, yes, the disgrace of 
Flash. He knew him to be a desperate man, too. But 
smiling at his own caution he replied : 

“ Entirely alone, sir; please be frank.” 

“I will, doctor, thank you, too. Well, sir, you detected 
me last night in a dastardly act. I was cowardly, or insane 
enough as to attempt your life. I throw myself on your 
generosity. The only excuse I can offer is, I was drunk.” 

The doctor was interested. 

“ Go on, Mr. Flash 0 ’ he said encouragingly. 

“As I said, I was drunk, I knew not what I was doing, 
sir. I sincerely crave your forgiveness. ” 

“’Tis granted most willingly, Mr. Flash.” 

“ Many thanks, sir. And now can I ask that you will 
let this matter pass from your mind ; that you will mention 
this to no one ! 

Dr. Hoy pondered ; but he answered : 

‘ 1 1 promise what you ask, Mr. Flash. I give you my 
honor on it.” 

“Again I thank you doctor; and now I beg to wish you 
good morning.” 

He left the office. Once in the street, the fellow chuckled 
contentedly. 

“ By Jove! that’s over; and it was quick and easy work,” 


51 


GERTRUDE; THE GOVERNESS. 

he muttered. “ Say what I can, however, Reginald Hoy is 
a whole man, every inch.” His voice was softer. “Had I 
grown up with such as that young fellow, I wouldn’t have 
been what I am to-day. But,” he continued, fiercely, “ fate 
determined otherwise, and, why I’ve sworn away Reginald’s 
Hoy’s life. I’ll keep my oath. Now to other matters. I 
must keep dark for a week, for, of course, I am absent on 
that visit to the oil regions /” 

With a low, wicked laugh, he hurried on. 

* * * * * * * * 

Old Gilbert Marne strode restlessly up and down the 
library. He was clad for outside weather, and was only 
awaiting the return of John, the coachman. 

At last steps sounded in the passage below, and in a few 
moments a rap fell on the door. 

It was John. 

“I met Mr. Flash going out, sir; he seemed to be in a 
hurry, sir,” he said, giving the rich man a letter and leav- 
ing. 

Old Marne hastily examined the note. He frowned, and 
bit his lips as he read this : 

“ Dear — ‘Pard’: — Yours (carelessly) to hand. Am just 
leaving for the oil regions for a week, to look after my 
wells, in which I want you to invest. Will help you with 
the receipt business when I see you. Don’t be scared by 
dreams. We are safe. Au revoir , 


CHAPTER XI. 

GERTRUDE OVERHEARS SOMETHING. 

Gilbert Marne frowned more than ever as he finished 
reading the few lines. 

“ Confound the rascal! He is independent all at once,” 
he muttered; “but, though he is in my power yet, hang 
him, I am far more in his. I can’t help it. His oil lands? 
By Jove! he makes tempting offers,” he continued avari- 
ciously. “I’ve a strong notion to run up to Yenango County, 
have a look at the property, and see what that company is 
doing. He offers the stock at a low figure. He is either a fool, 
or he is in need of ready money. I must think about that 


52 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

matter. Aye! and, by Jove! what if, after all, Hulda took 
a liking to Flash, and jilted the doctor. Reginald Hoy is 
making money; Flash has made it. But now the tools; I’ll 
be prepared.” 

He buttoned his overcoat, and turned toward the door. 

He still twirled Flash’s letter in his fingers. As he entered 
the passage, he started violently, and thrust the letter 
toward his bosom. 

At that moment, G-ertrude, the governess, was just leav- 
ing her room. 

Mr. Marne nodded coldly,, and passed on. 

Gertrude gazed bitterly after him. She was about mov- 
ing toward the stairs, when she halted for a second, and 
rapidly approached the library door. 

She had seen something white lying on the floor. It was 
Felix Flash’s letter. 

She picked it up, glanced at it, and a low cry arose to her 
lips. 

At that moment the echo of faint footfalls fell upon her 
ear, and she just had time to crush the secret into her bosom, 
when Hulda Marne, tall and stately, appeared. 

“Ah! you, Gertrude,” said the belle, as she cast a quick, 
covert glance at the governess. 

‘ ‘ Yes, Hulda ; I was going to summon Alice to her lesson.” 

“Ah! she is in the dining-room cramming herself with 
sweetmeats,” said Hulda, as she swept along toward her 
own room. She turned an angle in the passage, and 
disappeared. 

“That girl looked confused and surprised. I wonder 
what she was doing by the library door? She needs watch- 
ing,” and Hulda entered her room. 

Gertrude did not go at once to the dining-room. She 
noiselessly re-entered her room. 

“ Honest or not, right or wrong, and come what may, I 
will see what this contains !” she murmured, in a broken 
voice. 

She opened the sheet and glanced like lightning over its 
contents. 

“Merciful heaven!” she muttered in gasps. “Felix 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 53 

Flash ! The receipt! I’ll keep this, as I would guard my 
life!” 

She hid the letter in her bosom, and stole from the room. 

As she went, her face lighted up with a grand glow, and 
she murmured: 

“Sunshine is glinting; the dawn is breaking; God is with 
me ; I am on the track ; I am following the unerring finger 
of fate !” 

It was quite a late hour in the afternoon when Mr. Marne 
returned. 

He went out on foot ; he returned in a hackney-coach. 
This was no unusual occurrence; the rich man liked his 
ease. 

When he ascended the mansion steps, he carried under 
his arm a bundle about two feet long. He slipped it under 
his overcoat before he entered. 

He hurried up to the library ; as soon as he was in the 
room, he locked the door, and laid the bundle, with a tri- 
umphant air, upon the table. 

“ That much is accomplished,” he ejaculated, with a grim 
smile. “ And no one saw me. I’ll hide them till the time 
comes.” 

He unwrapped the parcel, and the following articles rolled 
out. A fine panel-saw, a hammer, a powerful screw-driver, 
two chisels, a mallet and a dozen screws. 

One by one he stowed the articles in a closet. 

“ I’ll soon feel easy on that score,” he laughed lightly, 
turning away from the closet. “But now, I’ll look over 
the stock-market. I must think about Flash’s offer.” 

He took an afternoon paper from his pocket, and was 
soon absorbed in its contents. 

At last, turning slowly in his seat, so as to front the table 
by which he was sitting, he laid down the paper, and gazed 
ahead of him for ten minutes, as if he was lost in medita- 
tion. 

“By Jove!” And he rubbed his hands together, while 
his coarse lips twitched and his eyes almost closed. “That 
stock stands well ! I’ve a strong notion to close with Flash. 
The company is good enough, that’s certain. The only ques- 


54 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

tion is : does Flash own in it the immense number of shares 
that he claims?” 

His brow wrinkled in thought. He took out a pencil, and 
was soon casting up figures. 

“ By heavens!” he ejaculated, greedily, as a gloating look 
spread over his face, and he thrust his fingers through his 
thick, black hair. “ ’Tis easy counting to turn out in one 
year a colossal fortune, provided Flash’s stock is genuine. 
I can easily find out the truth about that by Avriting to the 
president of the company. Let me see where he lives.” 

He consulted his memorandum-book. He soon found 
what he was looking for. 

“Ah! here it is. ‘H. Roberts, No. — Western avenue, 
Allegheny City, Penn.’ Allegheny City?” he continued, 
Avith a gasp. “ Is this chance? Is it fatality i By heaven ! 
Calvin Grayson, through whom I made my fortune — and in 
oil — lived in Allegheny City, and on Western avenue!” 

He leaned back in the chair and wiped away the great 
beads of perspiration which had so suddenly sprung to his 
brow. 

“ Nonsense ! bah !” he ejaculated, after a moment’s silence, 
as he arose and went to a closet in the room. He took out 
a decanter of liquor. “I am frightened at nothing,” he 
continued, hastily swallowing a glass of the brandy, and 
returning to the table. “ ’Tis a mere happen, a harmless 
coincidence ; nothing more. But shall I — dare I Avrite to 
President Roberts? Suppose Flash should find it out? He 
is not to be trifled with ; that, I know. No ; I musn’t let a 
fortune slip through my hands ; and there's one in this spec- 
ulation. I’ll pump Flash, that’s all.” 

He turned again to his figures. 

Gilbert Marne was under the impression that he had not 
been seen when he entered the library. Such, however, 
was not the case, for as the door closed upon him, a female 
figure slowly drew from the shadows near the stairs, and 
paused in the center of the passage. 

It was Gertrude, the governess. 

“He had a bundle,” she murmured, trembling in every 
limb. “ That parcel has something to do with the receipt. 
I feel it. I must find out; for I nm workiny for the right!" 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


55 


She slid away, softly entered her room and placed a chair 
against the wall under the ventilator. 

She mounted and placed her ear to the open plates. 

She heard almost ever word uttered by the millionaire ; 
she heard him, too, when he hid the tools in the closet. 

She smiled with grim satisfaction as at last descending 
from the chair, she murmured : 

“Yes, now I know that I am on the track. The receipt is 
to be hidden somewhere in that room ! God helping me, 
I’ll find it. Once in my hands, I feel certain, that upon it, 
in some shape or another, I will find proofs of Gilbert 
Marne’s perfidy. Now, however, to other things. I must 
see father and George — and to-night.” 


CHAPTER XII 

HULDA AS A- SPy. 

It was late in the afternoon : the sun, red and brilliant, 
was sinking into the shadows far away in the west, staining 
the silvery snow with crimson hues. The winds of evening 
were beginning to blow, raw and chill. The dark, cheer- 
less winter night was at hand. 

Gertrude, bonneted and closely wrapt in her old shawl, 
left her room and descended the stairs. The passage below 
was already dark. The maiden hesitated a moment, and 
glanced timidly beyond. 

“ I have told no one that I was going out,” she murmur- 
ed, as though she was in doubt. “I do not care, either, 
to be seen. Yet, however, I dare say I am mistress still of 
my own actions? I’ll go.” 

She spoke the last words with a bitter tone. 

As she was hurrying noiselessly by the great doors of the 
parlor, a hand was suddenly stretched out — a small, nerv- 
ous, but strong hand. It clutched Gertrude by the wrist. 

“Who is that?” asked a low, stern voice, as the grasp 
tightened. 

“’Tis only I, Gertrude — Miss Marne,” answered the gov- 
erness, trembling, though the hot blood of resentment 
flashed into her cheeks. 

“ Ah, you ! And may I ask where you are going at this 
strange time of day, Miss Garver?” 


56 


GERTR UDE , THE GO VERNE SS. 

A hot answer leaped to Gertrude’s lips, and, by a sudden 
movement, she freed her wrist from Hulda’s hand ; but, con- 
trolling herself ; she replied : 

‘ ‘ Pardon me, Miss Marne ; I am governess in this man- 
sion; but I was not aware that I was to be under surveil- 
lance. I wish to go out — on business.” 

Hulda recoiled. The word, surveillance , was Greek to 
her, though she had a faint conception of its meaning. 

Coloring slightly, she replied : 

‘ ‘ Excuse me, Gertrude ; I was a little startled at first. 
Certainly you can go and come whenever you please, pro- 
vided, of course, you do not infringe upon the hours set 
apart for the lessons.” 

“ I shall never forget my duty, Miss Marne,” said Ger- 
trude, with dignity. 

“I was about to add, Miss Garver,” and Hulda’s voice 
grew cold again, 1 ‘ that you choose a bad hour for going out. 
’Tis nearly night, and the weather is very cold. Then, too, 
you will be too late for supper.” 

“Thanks for your solicitude, Hulda,” answered Gertrude, 
endeavoring to be cordial. 

She remembered that everything depended on her remain- 
ing in her position as governess. 

“As to supper, I will not care for any. I am compelled 
too, to go out; I must get a few necessaries.” 

“ Very well, Gertrude; but if you will wait until to-mor- 
row, I’ll take you out in the carriage.” 

“No; thanks, Hulda. I must go to-night.” 

She spoke decidedly, and with just the slightest trace of 
impatience. 

Hulda objected no more. But as Gertrude reached the 
door, a voice checked her. 

“Pardon me, again, Gertrude, and the proud girl’s voice 
slightly trembled. “I would suggest that you change 
your dark dress ; it looks so funereal. Try a gayer one. 
You know, too, that I wish to introduce you to Dr. Hoy.” 

Gertrude shook in every limb, and her face flushed almost 
to bursting. 

But the darkness of the passageway concealed her erup- 
tion, 


57 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

In a low voice she answered : 

“It shall be as you wish, Hulda. I’ll lay aside this dress 
to-night, and will wear another, to-morrow.” 

She left the house and hurried away. 

“Ah ! but this is hard !” she murmured, as she hastened 
on through the cold. “ Another dress! and this is my all. 
But I must have another to-morrow ; for I must stay in 
that house, cost what it may. I’ll sit up till ” 

The night-wnnd bore her words away. 

A few moments later she reached Chestnut street, and 
entered the first car that jolted by. When next to be seen, 
she had left the car at Eighth street. Into this thorough- 
fare, which was still crowded, she took her way and soon 
entered a dry-goods store. Ten minutes later she emerged 
from the store, carrying a bundle. 

“The rest of the money must go to father, and George,” 
she murmured, turning into Chestnut street. On reaching 
Seventh, she entered a car, and was soon rolling down 
town. 

Hulda Marne stood for several minutes, motionless as a 
statue, where she had parted with Gertrude. 

“ I cannot read that girl ; no, not one bit !” she whispered. 
“ There’s something about her that I don’t like; yet, there’s 
something else — what, I know not— that draws me to her. 
I would like to find out more about her— who she is, and 
where she came from. I— ha ! lucky thought ! She is away ! 
Her trunk !” 

Without another word she hurried up stairs. She paused 
by Gertrude’s room. She tried the bolt; it turned. She 
entered the room at once, and struck a light, for, by this 
time, night had fallen, and the room was in darkness. 

But, so much was her mind possessed with one purpose, 
that Hulda forgot to close the door behind her. 

She advanced straight to the small trunk which bore the 
three mysterious G’s. She started, and her heart leaped to 
her throat, as she saw a bunch of keys dangling from the 
trunk-lock. 

The trunk was open. 

Gertrude was certainly very careless, or very trusting. 

Hulda sank at once upon her knees, and flung back the 


58 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

lid of the trunk. She started, and an expression of disgust 
spread over her face as she saw the few articles making the 
scanty wardrobe within. 

She was about to arise and turn away, when her eyes 
suddenly fell upon a package of letters at the bottom of the 
trunk. 

*She hesitated a moment, trembled, and once again knelt 
by the trunk. 

The package was grasped in her feverish clutch; her 
breast heaved tumultuously, and her eyes were about to 
glance at the superscription on the letters, when a strong 
hand was laid upon her shoulder, and a stern voice cried : 

“Hold! Hulda Marne!” 


CHAPTER XIII. 

GREEK AND GREEK. 

Hulda staggered to her feet, and dropping the letters 
back in the trunk, glared around her. 

There was the wide open door, the light from the room 
streaming out. 

But Hulda saw something else. 

Erect and firm, her black eyes flashing with indignation, 
her lip curling with scorn, her young bosom heaving, Alice 
Marne stood there. 

“ Shame on you! shame on you, Hulda!” said the noble- 
hearted maiden. “The idea of one of our family doing 
such an unworthy deed ! I knew Miss Garver was going 
out, for she told me so ; but little did she dream that you 
were bent on prying into her trunk. ’Pon my honor, I am 
ashamed of you !” 

Hulda recoiled. Her face, at first as red as a sunset sky, 
paled to a deathly pallor. 

‘ ‘ And what are you doing, you pert miss, dogging my 
steps ! Ill let you know ” 

“ I dog your steps, Hulda!” and the girl retreated as her 
imperious sister advanced threateningly toward her. “I 
never so belittle myself. The door was open, and I saw 

you doing what you should be ashamed of. I Hold, 

Hulda! don’t you dare strike me,” and the brave little 


59 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

maiden paused. “I am younger than you, but I am no 
child, let me tell you!” 

“I’ll slap your face for you, impertinent minx that you 
are. I ” 

“Stand back, Hulda! Hit me, and I’ll hit again!” 

Alice spoke resolutely, and her slender frame swelled 
with indignation. At the same time her handsome face 
showed scorn in every feature. 

Hulda restrained herself. She was, to a certain extent, 
at least, a diplomat. 

More than that, and she suddenly recognized the fact, 
she was in the power of her young sister. She trembled 
as she thought of this, for she well knew Alice’s indepen- 
dent spirit. 

Closing the door, she beckoned Alice toward her, and 
and sinking into a seat, said, as though she was courting 
the maiden’s confidence : 

“ I want to talk with you, for a few moments, Alice. We 
have time enough, for Miss Garver has gone out and will 
not be back to supper. I wish to speak with you about 
her, to consult with you, but you must first promise, 
sacredly, to breathe not a word of what I may say, to her 
or to any one else.” 

“ About Miss Garver, Hulda!” ejaculated Alice, in a low, 
half-scared tone, for she was struck by Hulda’s mysterious 
manner. “Surely, sister, you know nothing bad about 
her.” 

“That matters not,” replied Hulda, somewhat sternly 
and impatiently. “Promise me, or I’ll not open my lips.” 

“ But how can I promise, Hulda?” expostulated the noble- 
hearted maiden, hesitatingly, as her smooth brow wrinkled 
in thought. ‘ ‘ I already love Miss Garver, and very much 
I am sure, too, that she loves me. She has told me so more 
than once. You might tell me something which I would 
not believe, and what I would be compelled to let her hear.” 

Hulda started. She shook in every limb, as she glared at 
the innocent Alice. By an effort she controlled herself and 
said : 

“Very good; I see that you love this adventuress our 
governess, more than you do me. All right ; I ” 


60 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 

“ I said nothing of the sort, Hulda, and as to calling Miss 
Garver an adventuress, I am sure, if I knew the meaning 
of the word, that you do her a very great wrong. But, 
Hulda, tell me what you have to say about her ; for my 
part, I think it cowardly to deal simply in insinuations.” 

She spoke to the point. 

The haughty-browed Hulda clenched her hands, and a 
hot answer was upon her lips ; but again controlling herself, 
she said decidedly : 

“ Promise to keep to yourself what I may say, and I will 
tell you.” 

Alice pondered; she was young; but she was wonderously 
womanly and wise for her years. After a moment’s hesita- 
tion, she replied : 

“ I must know, Hulda, now that you have said so much. 
I promise what you ask.” 

Hulda hesitated for a moment, but drawing her chair 
still closer to her sister she said : 

“Although Miss Garver has not been here a whole day, 
yet Alice, I have learned that she is wonderfully wide- 
awake. Besides that, I have caught her eyes bent, almost 
fiercely, on papa, when she thought no one was looking at 
her. Also I ” 

“Nothing strange in all that, Hulda,” interrupted Alice, 
pointedly. “It isn’t everybody that likes papa. That I 
know !” 

Hulda scowled at her, but paying no heed to the interrup- 
tion, continued: 

“ That is not all; twice to-day, I caught her near the li- 
brary door, and the library is papa’s favorite room. What 
was she doing there? Now, let me give you a piece of 
news, Alice. Papa has, in a safe, in the library, not less 
than twenty thousand dollars ; for — there, now, don’t make 
any fuss over that. Papa told me himself, about the 
money. Does this young woman know that he has that 
great sum? If so, is she after it? She is poor, you know, 
and for my ” 

“Oh, Hulda! I am sure that you do Miss Garver a gross 
injustice,” broke in Alice, her cheeks flushing. “ She may 
be poor, and she has told us as much; but a single 


GERTRUDE \ THE GOVERNESS. 


61 


glance at her face will convince anyone that she is honest. 
How in the world could she have found out that papa had 
the money?” 

Hulda shook her head. 

“ Another point, Alice,” she said, and this time in real 
earnest. Miss Garver’s room, this, is next door to the li- 
brary. If I could do so without exciting her suspicions, I’d 
have her in another this very night. She might sometime 
overhear what papa was saying.” 

“ What papa was saying!” echoed Alice. “ Certainly he 
wouldn’t say anything that he was afraid anybody would 
hear. ” 

In her heart Hulda thought very differently from this. 
But, as a sudden flush swept over her face, and she glanced 
towards Gertrude’s trunk, she said ; 

“ One other point, Alice; I spoke to the governess, to- 
night, about that seedy old dress she wears, and inti- 
mated ” 

“ Oh, Hulda, how could you ” 

“Shut up! hear me out; I told her that I wished she 
would wear something else, especially as I wished Dr. Hoy 
to see her. She answered that she would wear something 
new to-morrow. Now, I’ve just looked in her trunk, and 
she has not another dress to her name. Where is she to 
get the other dress from? Aye, Alice, what do you think 
of that?” 

Alice answered at once. 

1 1 Simply that she is poor, indeed ; that she ought to be 
pitied, and that if she made you the promise about the 
dress, she’ll keep it. ” 

“ You have an exalted opinion about the thin-faced gov- 
erness,” sneered Hulda. 

“ I have. I love her.” 

A pause lasting some minutes ensued ; but Hulda 
suddenly looked up and said, more softly, more persua- 
sively : 

‘ ‘ To find out more about this Gertrude Garver was the 
reason I looked into her trunk ; and, Alice,” her voice lower 
than ever, “we can find out if we will. The opportunity i§ 


62 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

good, and no harm will be done. There’s a package of 
letters in the trunk. Let's examine them.” 

She uttered the last words eagerly, and as she spoke, half 
arose. 

“No indeed, Hulda!” answered Alice, bravely, laying 
her hand on the arm of her sister. ‘ ‘ I will not, and you 
shall not !” 

“ Shall not , pert, miss?” and Hulda recoiled. “How dare 
you ” 

“You heard me, Hulda, and I dare say it again; you 
shall not look at those letters, you shall not disgrace your- 
self. And I can prevent you.” 

For a whole minute the marble-browed Hulda gazed at 
her high-souled sister ; but she met a gaze as quiet and as 
stern as her own. 

At last, forcing a laugh to her lips, though her heart was 
pushing with the hot blood of anger, she arose and turning 
toward the door, said : 

“You are a brave champion for Miss Garver, Alice, but 
come, we’ll go.” 

“I’ll stay here,” said Alice, quietly. 

‘ ‘ Stay here ! And why ?” 

“ Because I wish to.” 

* ‘ Ah ! A poor reason ; I ” 

“ Then,” and Alice’s eyes snapped, “a better one is this; 
I’ll stay here until the governess returns, to keep you from 
going into her trunk again. Does that satisfy you?” 

“You are an impertinent hussy !” and Hulda swept grand- 
ly from the room. 

But Alice only smiled. 


CHAPTER XIY. 

GILBERT MARNE MISSES SOMETHING. 

And Alice did stay in the room until the governess re- 
turned. It was a late hour when the door-bell rang. A few 
moments afterwards, Gertrude, her eyes sparkling with joy, 
her cheeks glowing, entered her room. 

She started back in some confusion as she saw Alice 
there. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 63 

But in an instant her face was wreathed with smiles of 
pleasure, and she said : 

“I am so glad to see you, my dear. You— But, quick, 
Alice; are you sick? What is the matter?'’ 

“Not I, Miss Garver,” hastily answered the young girl, 
smiling faintly. 

“ But, my dear Miss Garver,” and she sank her voice as 
she glanced toward the door, which was slightly ajar, “ take 
my advice, and always lock your door — certainly your 
trunk — whenever you go out. Good-night, Miss Garver.” 

She kissed the surprised governess, and left the room. 

Gertrude stood for a moment bewildered. Then, as her 
eyes flashed around the room, she tossed upon the bed a 
bundle which she was carrying, and ran to her trunk. 

A moment, and flinging up the top, she gazed in. The 
first thing that met her gaze was the package of letters lying 
upon the few disordered articles of wearing apparel. 

She grasped the parcel and examined it. 

“The imperious Hulda has been here!” she muttered, in 
a hoarse whisper, while her eyes blazed with anger. ‘ T see 
through it all. She was detected by Alice, who has been 
staying here ever since — heaven bless her ! But, God be 
praised, these letters, which would have discovered me, and 
ruined my plans forever, have not been disturbed. They 
must be destroyed, and at once.” 

She glanced toward the red coals in the grate. She moved 
slowly toward it. She reached it. 

But she hesitated, as tears forced themselves to her eyes. 

“Oh! how can I?” she murmured, in a choking voice. 
“ They are my all to remind me of the happy past — of Reg- 
inald. They are his letters written to me while in Paris. 
How — but the finger of fate is beckoning me on ! I must 
follow. Nothing shall stand in my way to success !” 

She untied the parcel, and flung the letters, one by one, 
into the fire. A moment, and then a heap of ashes alone 
remained. 

After laying aside her things, and resting herself for a 
few moments, she unrolled the bundle which she had 
brought, and gazed at what was revealed. 


64 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

It was the pattern of a new dress. The material was fig- 
ured delaine — cheap, but neat and tasty. 

“I made Hulda Marne a promise to-night!” she groaned. 
“ I must keep it.” 

She set to work at once, having first locked the door and 
hung her handkerchief over the key-hole. 

The moments and the hours sped by, but the governess 
did not cease from her occupation. Midnight came. She 
rested for a few moments, rubbed her aching temples to 
keep her eyes open, and again set to work. Morning drew 
near. And when at last, the first rosy streaks of dawn 
showed in the east, Gertrude paused, glanced at what she 
had done, extinguished the gas, and threw herself upon the 
bed. 

There were others in the princely mansion who sat up 
very late that night. One was Hulda Marne the other was 
her father 

It was past one o’clock when the hauglity-browed belle 
arose and began her jn-eparations for retiring. Her face 
was pale, and her brow clouded. 

“ ’Twas strange that I fell asleep awhile ago,” she mutter- 
ed, slowly unwinding the massy curls of her midnight hair. 
“It was stranger still that I should have a dream about the 
finger of fate, and that that thin-faced, soft-eyed governess 
should be linked with it. I begin to dislike Gertrude Gar- 
ver. Is it because I distrust her — why I know not? Or, is 
it because she is beautiful, that she rivals even me in per- 
sonal charms? Yes, yes; would it be wise, after all, to let 
her come face to face with Reginald Hoy !” 

As she was speaking she moved away ; but when she ut_ 
tered the last words, she paused suddenly as though the 
thought was a startling one. She glanced in the polished 
mirror swinging over the agate-topped bureau. She re- 
treated as she noted the deathly pallor of her countenance. 

Gradually the natural hues of health returned to her 
cheeks, and she exclaimed almost vehemently : 

“ Bah ! what care I for Reginald Hoy ! He is handsome, 
witty, and speaks French ; that is about all. He is making 
money, too ; but sometimes I’ve thought he had an eye to 
mine. Felix Flash loves me as much as does Reginald 


65 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

Hoy. I must think about that matter; but — it is not wise 
that Gertrude Garver and Reginald Hoy should meet 
oftener than is necessary !” 

A quarter of an hour later she was asleep. 

Old Gilbert Marne had lingered long in the library that 
afternoon and evening. 

He had filled a sheet or so of foolscap with figures. When 
supper was announced he had hurried down to the meal. 
But he scarcely started as Hulda told him that Miss Marne 
had gone out. 

He had not missed the governess at all. His mind was 
deeply occupied with other matters ; he was thinking of 
Flash, and the wonderful offer which that fast young man 
had made him. 

As soon as the meal was over Mr. Marne repaired at once 
to the library, and resumed his penciling. Thus he occupied 
himself until the hour of midnight was on the stroke. 

At last he arose ; his face wore a stern, but satisfied look. 

‘ ‘ Come what may, if Flash answers to suit me, I’ll in- 
vest!” he exclaimed, thumping the table by way of em- 
phasis. “ There’s a fortune — aye! several fortunes! — in it. 
But, hello! What did I ” 

While he was speaking, he felt in his breast-pocket. He 
was hunting something. 

For a moment his ruddy face grew as pale as ashes. He 
hastily examined his other pockets. But, all at once, a con- 
tented look came to his face. 

“Iam easily frightened!” he laughed. Flash’s letter! 
Bah? I flung it in the grate this afternoon. No danger of 
that telling tales !” 

He extinguished the light and sought his chamber. 

Gilbert Marne had a treacherous memory ! He had not 
burned Flash’s letter ; he had only destroyed the envelope 
which told nothing. 


CHAPTER XV. 

THE GOVERNESS STARTLED. 

The next morning when Gertrude quietly entered the 
breakfast-room, Hulda, who was already there, looked up. 


66 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

She started with manifest surprise, as her eyes fell upon 
the governess. 

“ You have kept your promise, Gertrude,” she said, with 
a pleased smile, as her eyes took in the new dress, fitting so 
neatly the trim form of the young girl. “Where in the 
world did ” 

She was on the point of asking a very impertinent ques- 
tion. But Gertrude, as she took her seat at the table, inter- 
rupted her quietly : 

“I make it a point to keep my promises, Hulda. When 
I set my hands to a task, I never turn my back until the work 
is accomplished , or absolute failure overtakes me/” 

Her emphasis was marked, and her tone was stern and 
bitter. 

Old Gilbert Marne, whose mind was filled with other mat- 
ters, glanced toward the governess. He had not noticed 
her before — not even so much as to extend the morning 
salutations. But her words, so earnest, yet spoken so 
quietly, startled him. 

“ What do you mean by that remark, Miss Garver?” ask- 
ed Hulda, pointedly and coldly, before her father could say 
anything. 

f- Gertrude had meant a great deal. The words had escaped 
her ere she knew it. They had been wrung from her in very 
bitterness of soul. Do what she could, her cheeks flushed 
under Hulda’s earnest gaze ; but, bending her head to conceal 
her confusion, she said : 

“ Do you know, Miss Marne, that I sat up all last night — 
aye, until the very dawn this morning, to finish this dress? 
— to keep my promised ’ 

The answer was an evasive one ; but it was sufficient for 
the purpose. 

“ You are very industrious, Miss Garver!” sneered Hulda. 

“You’ve got grit and will succeed,” said Mr. Marne, half 
admiringly. 

“I will succeed!” replied Gertrude. 

An hour later Hulda was taking her second lesson in 
French, in the room of the sweet-faced governess. 

* * * * * * * 

A week sped by. 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 67 

Of course, in the meantime, Flash had not gone to his 
fabulous oil-wells, in Venango County; he had not been 
outside the limits of Philadelphia. But he rarely left his 
elegant bachelor home until the shades of night had fallen. 
The reader knows why. 

Yet Flash did venture out once in the daytime. It was 
on an afternoon. He was striding along Front street, not 
far from the wagonway which led through the court to the 
mysterious house, back. The fellow’s head was lowered, 
and he was walking rapidly. He glanced once up and down 
the street, and muttered with a chuckle : 

‘ ‘ That confound blue-coat is out of the way at last. I 
must see Mahlo, and — hah ! furies !” 

The last words just escaped his lips. 

While he was muttering, he turned into the wagonway ; 
but no sooner had he entered, than a tall, brawny man in a 
blue, brass-buttoned overcoat, walked quickly out. 

Flash retreated confusedly into the street. 

“ May Satan get that fellow !” he hissed. “He suspects 
something — suspects me. He is watching me. I know it ! 
By Jove ! a knife-thrust, or a pistol ” 

He strode away. 

The “fellow” had been watching Flash; and that 
“fellow” was Ned Hallohan, the broad-shouldered police- 
man. 

“Ha! ha!” grimly chuckled the officer. “I am on the 
right scent, and when the time comes for me to measure 
somebody’s boot, I dare say I’ll flush big game !” 

On the afternoon of the last day of the week which had 
just passed, Gertrude sat silently by a window in her 
room. She was gazing out toward the red sun sinking 
in the western sky. Her face was sad and her eyes 
bore signs of weeping. She held in her hands an evening 
paper. 

Ten minutes before, after Alice had received her two 
hours’ instruction and left the room, the governess had 
taken up the paper. 

But she had scarcely glanced over the columns, when 
she started and bent her eyes closer to the printed lines. 

A short paragraph had met and riveted her gaze. Her 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


cheeks glowed and paled by turns, her bosom heaved, and 
her heart beat fast. She arose, and still clutching the news- 
paper, staggered to the seat by the window, where we now 
find her. 

“ Oh ! heaven, ’tis Eeginald ! he who was once my Eegin- 
ald!” she exclaimed, in a heart-rending tone. “Why this 
notice? Why has he hidden it under the guise of a foreign 
language? Can I infer that he loves me still, and that he 
would not let others know it? What shall I answer? Or, 
shall I answer at all? Fortune, thus far, has favored me; 
Eeginald has not been here since my arrival. But he will 
come ; then a trying moment will be upon me. If, before I 
could warn him, he should let out my true name, then 
good-bye to all my ” 

She paused abruptly, wheeled in her chair, and crushing 
the paper in her bosom, said : 

“Come in.” 

While she was speaking, a rap had fallen faintly upon 
the door. It sounded as though it was struck by a timid 
hand. 

The door opened, and a female form appeared. The room 
was now dim and dusky, and Gertrude did not at first re- 
cognize her visitor. But in a moment she arose and said 
gladly: 

“You, Alice? Come in, dear one; I am delighted to see 
you.” 

“ Are you indeed glad to see me, Miss Garver?” exclaim- 
ed the merry, good-hearted Alice, as she sprang forward 
and threw her arms around Gertrude's neck. “And are 
sure I’ll not bore you?” 

“Quite sure — to both of your questions, Alice,” answered 
the governess, smiling, while her heart pulsed warmly to- 
ward the rosy-checked miss. “Sit down and make your- 
self at home.” 

“Now, that’s real sweet, Miss Garver. You see I am so 
lonesome here, with nobody to talk to. Papa is wrapped 
up in his figures— figures about dollars and cents. Oh, Miss 
Garver, how papa does love money ! Then, Hulda is poor 
company at best — that is for me. And now she is taken up 
in her new study. But, candidly, Miss Garver, do you think 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 69 

Hulda will ever learn French?” she asked abruptly and in- 
nocently. 

“I really can’t say as yet,” answered the governess, 
smiling. “Time alone will tell. But excuse me, Alice; ’tis 
dark here; I’ll light the gas,” 

A moment, and the room was lit up. 

“Oh! Miss G-arver !” exclaimed Alice, as she caught a 
view of Gertrude’s face. “What is the matter? Your 
cheeks are pale, and ’pon my word you’ve been crying. Oh, 
Miss Garver, this makes me real unhappy.” 

. The maiden rattled out these warm, sympathizing words 
before the poor governess could reply. 

Gertrude cared not for this ; it gave her time to think. 
And truth be said, she had been completely thrown off her 
guard. ‘For the moment, too, she had forgotten the strange 
advertisement in the paper. 

But at last she turned frankly toward the maiden, and 
said in a low earnest voice : 

“Alas! I have much to make me sad, Alice. You are 
young, and have seen nothing as yet of the hard, cold world 
— save, indeed, its brighter side. And upon the darker, 
heaven grant you may never look, as I have for the last 
five years.” 

“ Poor Miss Garver ! how I do pity you,” murmured Alice, 
stealing closer to the governess. “I knew that you were 
poor, but I didn’t think that you had been unhappy, too. 
And then,” sinking her voice as her eyes wandered musingly 
through the window into the gathering darkness, “you have 
been unhappy five years you say — five long years !” 

“Yes, Alice, and in that time have suffered enough of 
woe and want — yes, leant , Alice — to kill many a one stronger 
than I am. 

“ Poor Miss Garver ! how I pity you !” repeated Alice, in a 
lower voice than ever. “ But isn’t it strange,” and now she 
whispered, “ that during the five years through which you 
have suffered, others should be for the first time enjoying 
plenty and happiness — that is, if money can give the latter!” 

Gertrude reeled ; the blood fled from her cheeks, and an 
ashen hue blanched her lips, 


70 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

“What do you mean, Alice!” she demanded sternly, 
turning toward the maiden. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

A LETTER AND THE ANSWER. 

Just about the time when Alice and Gertrude were occu- 
pied in the manner, as given in the last chapter, Hulda 
Marne was walking restlessly up and down the limits of 
her chamber. 

The curtains of the richly-furnished apartment were 
drawn, and a low light was burning in a rose-tinted globe 
on the wall. 

“’Pon my soul, I don’t know what to think of Reginald 
Hoy !” murmured the resplendent girl, as she sunk her chin 
upon her swelling bosom. “ It has been more than a week 
since he was here. A strange lover, indeed ! But do I really 
care? Yet I don’t like to be treated in such a manner. 
What does Gertrude Garver, herself, think of it? I have 
told her more than once of my engagement, and I am 
sure ” 

She paused, both in her promenade and in her soliloquy. 
Her brow clouded, and a quick, suspicious fire glittered in 
her eyes. 

“Yes! I have noticed every time I told her of this matter, 
that this thin-faced girl started, colored, and changed the 
conversation. I paid no heed to it, then, but recall it now. 
Gertrude Garver has lived in Paris— so has Reginald Hoy. 
Have they ever met? Well, I know this: I am getting to 
hate this governess /” 

She resumed her promenade, but her step grew slower 
and slower. At last, turning on the full stream of gas, she 
flung herself into a seat by a richly inlaid writing-desk. 

“I can’t bear such treatment, and I will not!” she ejacu- 
lated, taking a sheet of delicately tinted paper. “I’ll 
scribble a few lines to Reginald as a test. I’ll ask him to 
come up this evening. I’ll send the note by John.” 

She began to write, but she progressed slowly. She 
seemed puzzled for words. Ten minutes elapsed before she 
pushed her chair back and glanced over what she had 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 71 

written. It satisfied her. She shoved the sheet into an 
envelope, and wrote the address. 

A quarter of an hour afterwards she lowered the light 
and left the room. 

As she passed by Gertrude's room, she halted and listened. 

She heard the subdued sound of voices coming from the 
room. 

“ Tis Alice and Gertrude Garver!” she muttered. “ Tis 
strange that Alice takes such a liking to that poverty- 
stricken girl. Is it because both of them are pure and 
noble-hearted ?” 

A strange speech — a candid admission. 

She passed on and descended the stairs. 

* * * * * * * * 

Reginald Hoy poured a fresh heap of coal upon the fire, 
which he had allowed to smoulder in the grate, and, with a 
weary sigh, resumed his seat. He had been sitting there, 
gloomy and abstracted, almost morose, for more than an 
hour. He held in his hands an afternoon paper. 

“ I am sure that she with whom I talked in the wind- 
blown street a week ago, was Gertrude Grayson,” he said, 
musingly. 4 ‘ It was she whom I once loved ; she, by heavens, 
whom I have never ceased to love ! I wrote to her several 
times after she left Paris, but no response came. Then a 
strange rumor drifted to my ears — of reversal in fortune, of 
sudden poverty ! I heard no more. Time passed ; I was 
thrown in contact with the radiant Hulda Marne, and the 
memory of Gertrude passed from my mind like a beautiful 
dream of the past. But, now that my pulses are wanned 
up again, I can only ask myself in wonder, how could I 
have forgotten her? Is man, after all, as false as woman 
paints him?” 

He shook his head, and sighed again ; but in a moment he 
exclaimed, with thrilling earnestness : 

“No, forever, no. Fori love Gertrude now, and more 
ardently than ever : and I have taken this somewhat novel 
method to learn if she is indeed here. ’Twas a bold stroke,” 
and his eyes wandered to a paragraph in the paper; “ but 
Hulda does not understand French. She knows not, too, 
indeed, if there’s such a person as Gertrude Grayson. But 


72 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 

should Gertie see it, she will know who it is. Heaven grant 
she ” 

Just then the office-hell rang. 

It was not a quick, clanging summons, as of a sudden pro- 
fessional call ; it was timid and faint, the bell tinkled once, 
and that was all. 

The doctor started and glanced around him. The room 
was scarcely illumined by the low gas-flame. 

The young man arose, and was about to turn the light 
higher, hut, remembering his perturbed features, he left 
the gas-jet and walked to the door. 

He started with some surprise, as on the steps he saw the 
slender form of a closely- veiled young woman. Her face 
■was in shadow. 

“ Is this number — ?” she asked in a voice Avhich slightly 
trembled. 

The doctor’s heart jumped to his throat; but quickly con- 
trolling himself, he said : 

“Yes, Miss. Please walk in.” 

“Thank you, no,” was the hurried answer. “ I suppose 
you are Doctor Hoy?” 

Her words were in a whisper. 

“That is my name,” answered the physician, wonder- 
ingly. 

“ I have a letter for you, sir;” and quickly placing in his 
hand an envelope, she walked away. 

As she gave him the missive, her fingers touched his 
hand 

Reginald Hoy recoiled as though he had received the full 
charge of an electric battery. 

“Who can she be?” he murmured, a strange sensation 
thrilling him, as he closed the door and returned to the 
grate. “However, I must look at the letter. Can it be 
from Gertie, who has determined thus to answer my ad- 
vertisement. Ha, no.” 

He had raised the light and glanced at the superscription 
on the letter. 

“From Hulda Marne!” he resumed coldly. “But who 
the deuce was her messenger! I half way — ha, what is 
this !” 


73 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

He paused again, and very abruptly. He had seen pen- 
ciled upon a cover of the envelope this !” 

“ By our new governess !” 

But Hulda had not written: ‘‘By politeness,” or: 
“ Through courtesy ” of “our new governess !” 

The doctor opened the letter and read the following: 

‘ ‘ Home, Thursday Eve. 

“Mon Cher. Reginald; — You see how I am progressing 
in French! We have secured a governess at last. She 
speaks French like a Parisienne , though she is American. 
Of her, more anon. I drop this, my dear ‘young man,’ to 
ask you why don’t you come to see me. What’s the mat- 
ter? You haven’t been to West Rittenhouse Square in ten 
days! You see how I have counted the time. You must 
explain all this, not by letter, but in person. Come to- 
night. I’ll expect you. I want to have a long, sociable 
chat. 

“ To yours votre, 

“ Hulda.” 

“ P. S. — Oh, the governess! I had forgotten all about 
her. Well, she is very poor; that’s certain; but she’s 
pretty; that’s certain, too. Fair hair and — would you be- 
lieve it — jet-black eyes. Her name is — however, I’ll tell you 
that when you come. But you men are so susceptible; 
please don’t fall in love with the doll-baby face of the impe- 
cunious governess ! H.” 

“ ‘ Fair hair, but jet-black eyes !” echoed the young man, 
walking slowly up and down the room. “An American! 
Hum! hum! is the finger -of fate in this, too? 

For ten minutes he strode abstractedly up and down the 
room. ‘ ‘ I must answer this note, but not in person he said, 
seating himself by his desk. 

He dashed off a hasty note, and struck a hand-bell. A 
lad at once entered through a rear door. It was the office' 
boy. 

“ Take this note to its address, James.” 

“Yes, sir; any answer?” 

“No; hurry on.” 

The boy took the letter and left the office. 

That night, as Hulda Marne walked the limits , of the 


74 GERTRUDE , 2!H2£ GOVERNESS. 

dim-lit parlor, she paused, then hastened to the front door. 
The bell had rung. As she opened the door she started back 
in confusion and disappointment, as she saw a boy. 

She was expecting some one else. 

“ A letter for Miss Hulda Marne,” said the shivering lad, 
handing her the letter and taking his departure at once. 

Hulda closed the door, and hastening back into the par- 
lor, raised the light. She glanced at the superscription on 
the envelope, tore out the sheet and read : 

“Dear Hulda: — Impossible to-night. Busy. Will call 
day after to-morrow, about four o’clock in the afternoon. 

“ Yours, 

“Reginald Hoy.” 


CHAPTER XVII. 

ON THE WATCH. 

The female who had left Hulda Marne’s letter at Dr. 
Hoy’s office was Gertrude. As she hastened down the 
street, she murmured : 

“Oh! how could I have done it! I stood with him again, 
face to face — my hand touched his! And he knew me not! 
But to other matters ; I hope I'll be in time. I must go to 
the ” 

She ceased her mutterings, turned into Eleventh street — 
going north — and hastened on. 

Nearly a half hour later she entered the office of a news- 
paper away down-town, just as it was closing. 

What Gertrude’s errand was, and how she came to be the 
bearer of Hulda’s letter, we will now briefly state. 

The reader remembers tfiat we left Gertrude and Alice 
together in the room of the former. 

“What do you mean by that remark?” continued Ger- 
trude, in a lower voice than ever, as she fixed her eyes al- 
most menacingly upon the young girl’s face. 

Alice was awed by the manner of the governess; but she 
frankly answered : 

“ Just what I said, dear Miss Garver, I know some people 
who mark their happiness and prosperity from the time 
you date your misery and unhappiness ; namely, five years 
ago.” 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS, 75 

Gertrude trembled. 

How much did Alice know ? she thought. 

“And who are those people, my dear?” she asked, more 
softly. 

“I don’t mind telling you anything, Miss Garver,” re- 
plied Alice, glancing toward the door. “ I’ll tell you this. 
I refer to this family — to papa and to us. Papa didn’t have 
much money five years ago — almost none ; I’ve heard him 
say so. But with what he had, he made a famous bargain 
in oil-lands.” 

Gertrude turned her head away to conceal the fearful, 
spasmodic working of her features. 

But, as if goaded on by an irrestrainable impulse, she 
said, quietly: 

“That was, indeed, fortunate for your father ,” and she 
made a marked emphasis. “But from whom did your 
father purchase ; do you know?” 

“ Know ! yes, indeed ; I know all about it. ’Twas from a 
man named Grayson, who then — but what is the matter, 
Miss Garver?” 

“Nothing — that is, the room is too hot. I’ll raise the 
window a little. There, now; go on.” 

“ Well, ’twas from this man, Grayson, and ,he lived in 
Allegheny City. But, would you believe, Miss Garver, 
that that wicked man has bothered papa no little about 
the matter? He had the impudence to say that he was 
never paid. Yet papa has the receipt, signed and all; I’ve 
seen it.” 

“Ah! that in most cases, at least where money has been 
paid , is sufficient. But you sa^, Alice, that you have seen 
the receipt?” 

“ Yes, twice; but papa keeps it under lock and key. It 
is in the little iron safe in the library, there.” 

By this time Gertrude had gained control over herself, 
but she did not pursue the topic further. She was now 
certain on one very important point, and she was thinking 
of something else. She was recalling the advertisement in 
the paper. 

She suddenly arose and said : 


76 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 

“You must excuse me, Alice. I am compelled to go out 
now, for an hour, on business. ” 

“ Go out? Why, Miss Garver, ’tis dark night now ; aren’t 
you afraid to go out alone?” 

“No, indeed. I’ve often — but I must hurry, Alice,” she 
continued, checking herself. 

Alice had likewise arisen ; but she hesitated, and as her 
cheeks flushed, she said in a low tone : 

“You mentioned at the breakfast-table the other day, 
Miss Garver, that you had a brother. I am sure he must 
be splendid. 1 wish 1 could see him.” 

With these innocent words, she kissed the governess, and 
walked slowly, almost sadly, from the room. 

Gertrude gazed after her ; and as the door closed upon the 
maiden, she said, musingly : 

“Sweet, noble-hearted Alice! You may see George some 
day ; and, as there is no telling what a change a single turn 
of the wheel of fortune may make, why — Pshaw! I am 
dreaming, and most absurdly. I must answer this ad- 
vertisement. ” 

She took the crushed newspaper from her bosom, and 
finding the paragraph, read aloud this: 

“ La Demoiselle Grayson , quefai recontree sous des circon _ 
stances particulieres, il y a une semaine , veut-elle donner son 
addres e , ne craignant pas une deconverte a 1 Reginald ,’ hoite 
2309 bureau de poste. ” 

“ ’Tis Reginald ; I’m sure of it ! ” murmured the governess. 
° He thinks he has found me. I'll answer him ; but I can- 
not give him my address. I dare not.” 

Soon afterwards she left the room. She had on her bon. 
net and shawl. 

As she was stealing toward the front door, she started 
back and frowned. 

Hulda Marne, at that instant, emerged from the parlor 
and confronted her. 

The coincidence was strange, to say the least ; this was the 
second time the same thing had occurred. 

“Ah! You, Miss Garver; and going out, again? ’’said 
Hulda, who, by the by, in the last few days had dropped 
the more familiar “ Gertrude ” 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 77 

“Yes, Miss Marne.” 

“You take strange hours, I must say.” 

“I shall only be gone for an hour,” answered Gertrude, 
crushing back a hasty reply. 

She was about to pass on. 

“Just a moment, Miss Garver,” said Hulda, hurriedly, as 
a bright, yet sneering look, flashed over her face. “I was 
about ringing for John ; but I hope I can ask a favor at your 
hands? ” 

“Certainly, Miss Marne.” 

“Will it trouble you to go a short distance down Spruce 
street?” 

Gertrude hesitated, but answered : 

“Not at all.” 

“ Thanks. Will you please deliver this letter at number 
— ,Dr. Hoy’s office! Just ring and hand it in.” 

Gertrude started violently; but Hulda did not observe 
her, for she was coolly penciling a few words on the envel- 
ope. 

“ I shall be under obligations, Miss Garver.” 

“ Don’t mention it;” and the governess took the letter in 
her trembling fingers and moved away. Before she reach- 
ed the door, Hulda advanced a pace and said quickly : 

“Pardon a question, Miss Garver; but do you reside, 
and have you resided, for any length of time, in Philadel- 
phia?” 

Again the governess started and trembled ; but she an- 
swered : 

“Fora short time before coming to this mansion, I lived 
with a poor family in the southern section of the city.” 

With this evasive reply she left the house. 

We have seen her on her double errand. 

' When she left the newspaper office she hurried to Walnut 
street, entered a car, and was soon at Kittenhouse Square. 

She descended. 

“ Felix Flash’s week is up ! He'll be in old Gilbert Marne's 
house to-night ,” she murmured, hastening away. 

On reaching the mansion she entered, and in a few 
moments was in her room. 

She locked the door at once, lowered the gas to the finest 


73 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

point, removed her shoes, and cautiously took a seat by the 
wall, and directly under the tell-tale ventilator. 

“Something tells me that I am on the eve of great 
things!” she murmured. “God is with me in this fight 
for right. He it is who is bidding me follow this unerring 
finger of fate!” 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

CUT AND THRUST. 

On this night, which was destined to be eventful, old 
Gilbert Marne was nervous and fidgety. He scarcely ate 
any supper. As soon as the meal was over, he hurried to 
the library. He was there when Gertrude noiselessly en- 
tered her room. 

He was slowly promenading the room. As the moments 
sped by, his step grew more restless, and the scowl on his 
face became darker. 

“I wonder if Flash will come,” he muttered at last, as 
though he could contain himself no longer. “ What a fool 
I was to say anything to him about the matter. Now, con- 
found it, he has an extra hold upon me. I’ve a strong 
notion ha! what’s that?” 

He suddenly bent his ear and listened. At that moment 
a faint, jarring sound echoed in the library. It seemed to 
come from the next room. 

“ Confound it, that thin-faced governess has come home, 
after all!” muttered Mr. Marne, uneasily. “ I was in hopes 
that she would stay out late. She has her ears and eyes 

wide open. However ha! there it is again, and, by 

Jove! I was mistaken. ’Tis the shutter swinging in the 
wind, and the governess has not returned. Good.” 

He strode to one of the windows, pulled aside the cur. 
tains, and looked out. 

Sure enough, one of the shutters was swinging under 
the rising night wind. Mr. Marne soon secured it, and 
returned to his restless promenade. 

The rich man, however, had not found out the true cause 
of the suspicious sound which had just startled him. 
His first surmise was correct; the noise came from the 
room of the governess: it happened thus: 


79 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

As soon as the old man began his muttered soliloquy, 
Gertrude started. 

So still was everything that even in her sitting posture 
she heard some of his words. To catch every one, however 
— and she felt that her all depended upon it — she unguard- 
edly arose, and attempted to mount the chair, so as to bring 
her ear on a level with the ventilator. In her haste she 
upset the chair. 

She paused instantly, her heart beating so violently that 
she could distinctly hear its tumultuous throbbings. 
She noted the pause of the heavy steps in the library, the 
sudden cessation of the muttered words, then the impatient 
stride, the raising and closing of the window. 

She breathed freer; and noiselessly mounting the chair, 
took her position by the ventilator. And there she was 
destined to stand a long and weary watch. But she was 
actuated by a stern resolve, and was equal to the task. 

Scarcely had she fixed herself to listen, when the front 
bell jangled through mansion. 

Gertrude started ; and so did old Gilbert Marne in the next 
room. 

“ Felix Flash ! The drama begins !” murmured the former, 
trembling so violently that she came near losing her bal- 
ance. 

“ Felix Flash ! Now this business begins. I wish it was 
over,” ejaculated old Marne, hurrying to a receptacle in the 
room and helping himself to brandy which was there. 

Both were right in their surmise: it was Felix Flash. 
Strange to say, he was admitted by Hulda. That young 
lady had lingered in the parlor. When the bell rang, de- 
spite Doctor Hoy’s curt note, she thought it might after all 
be the physician. So she hurried to the door. 

She retreated a pace, and a look of disappointment showed 
on her face. 

“Ah! you, Mr. Flash,” she muttered, coldly. 

“ Yes, Miss Marne. But I see that you are expecting 
some one else. Very sorry. Perhaps it was the handsome 
Doctor Hoy, who ” 

“Doctor Hoy! Nonsense !” and Hulda colored; though, 
almost in an instant, her face resumed its almost marble- 


80 


GERTR ure, the go verness. 

like pallor. “I don’t care as much for that gentleman as 
you may think.” 

She spoke more softly. As she uttered these words, her 
eyes dwelt for an instant on Flash’s face. It was a mean- 
ing glance. 

Flash started, just the slightest ; his dark eyes glittered, 
and as a proud, triumphant, just perceptible smile lifted 
his long, thin moustache, he answered : 

“ You may be right, Miss Marne. Though Doctor Hoy is 
good-looking, he may be nothing else. But you are looking 
famously well this evening.” 

His eyes rested admiringly upon her handsome face and 
superb figure. 

Hulda crimsoned ; she trembled and cast her gaze down. 

With her head still bowed, she glanced covertly "toward 
him and said : 

“ I am quite sure I can return the compliment, Mr. 
Flash.” 

She looked up. Their eyes met. They understood one 
another. 

“Thanks, Miss Marne,” answered Flash, a slight color 
tinging his habitually pale cheek. 

“But is your good father at home?” he continued, in a 
colder and more business-like way. 

Again Hulda was disappointed; for now that she knew 
Reginald Hoy would not come that evening, she wished to 
monopolize Flash. Truth is, she thought his unexpected 
visit was intended for her. Of course she was not aware 
of her father’s plans. 

But she answered : 

“Yes, he is in the library, Mr. Flash. Do you wish to 
see him on important business?” 

The question was a direct one. It took Flash somewhat 
aback. He did not answer at once, for fear he would 
stammer. When, however, he did reply, it was with a 
smile, and half jesting, half in earnest, thus: 

‘ ‘ My business is important, Miss Marne. I wish to sell 
your father some oil-stock. I hold more than I wish to 
carry. I want money now, and do not care to wait for it.” 

“Very good; I’ll summon papa to the parlor.” 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS, 81 

11 Oh, no! don’t trouble yourself. I know the way to the 
library ; ’tis a cosy place for a business transaction. But, 
my dear Miss Marne,” and his voice was low and insin- 
uating, as he advanced a pace toward her, “ can I ask that 
you will take a sleigh-ride with me behind my high-stepping 
bays?” 

Hulda again colored, and a half-pleased expression spread 
over her face. But she said, with some surprise: 

“A sleigh-ride? Why, Mr. Flash, the snow has almost 
gone !” 

“ But it is, even now, snowing heavily, as you can see by 
looking out. It wilt be a deep snow, too; for I am some- 
what of a weather prophet. Can I renew my request? I 
shall be honored by your acceptance.” 

Hulda hesitated only a moment ; she was thinking of 
Reginald Hoy, and of his recent singular estrangement from 
the mansion. That decided her. 

“Thanks, Mr. Flash, I’ll go with pleasure.” 

“ Then, if my prediction holds good, I will call for you — 
let me see — yes, day after to-morrow, about four in the 
afternoon, if that will suit you.” 

“The very thing!” returned Hulda, quickly, as her eyes 
flashed. She remembered that Dr. Hoy was to call at the 
same time. She wished to give him an open cut. 

“ I’ll be on hand, Miss Marne,” said Flash, as he turned 
toward the stairs. 

u An revoir /” murmured Hulda, as she retreated into the 
parlor. 

“ By Jove!” muttered Flash, when he reached the floor 
above, “ Hulda Marne is after me! I’ll meet her half way. 
Nothing like keeping the money in the family !” 

A moment later he was in the library. 

Hulda leaned her trembling hand on the piano, and ejac- 
ulated triumphantly : 

1 ‘ Felix Flash loves me ! He has lots of money. I’ll snare 
him and await events.” 


82 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

AN IMPRESSION IN WAX. 

Gertrude, still listening at the ventilator, heard the 
greeting that took place between Flash and Mr. Marne. 

Her heart beat tumultuously. 

She had not been seen by any one, when she entered the 
mansion. 

She hoped that no one knew of her return. 

A conversation, lasting some moments, took place be- 
tween the two men in the library. 

The governess heard every word of it. 

It did not interest her. 

The subject in which she was wrapped up, had not been 
broached. 

She still kept her position. 

We will leave her there. 

“By Jove, Flash! I am glad to see you back,” said Mr. 
Marne, cordially. “ When did you return?” 

“Back! return? Oh, yes!” and the fellow stammered a 
little. “Why, on the early train this morning; but, ’pon 
my soul, I have been so busy with money matters since I 
reached home that I had already forgotten I had been away 
a whole week.” 

“ Money matters? Ah, yes. Let’s take a drink, Flash. 
I’ve some famous brandy,” and he turned toward the 
closet. 

“Agreed,” said Flash, glancing sneeringly after the old 
man. “Truth is, I’m tired. Counting money, according 
to my experience, is exceedingly exhausting.” 

He yawned wearily. 

“Counting money- eh? Ah! exactly— very tiresome;” 
and the rich man returned to the table with a decanter and 
goblets. 

After a moment had passed, Flash said, abruptly: 

“ That was a careless trick in you, old fellow, to send me 
a letter on such important business by hand.” 

“ No harm came of it. However, we’ve time enough be- 
fore us ; so, before we attend to that matter, suppose we 
talk of something else.” 


83 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 

The old man’s voice trembled slightly, and his little black 
eyes glittered avariciously. A deep, crafty smile swept 
over his face. 

“ Something else?” and, involuntarily, Flash turned to- 
ward the speaker ; though in a moment he continued : “Of 
course— anything you like. Truth be told, I don’t exactly 
understand what you mean about that receipt, old boy.” 

He spoke familiarly ; but his bosom was thrilling with ex- 
pectancy and hope. 

“ What is it?” he added, seeing that the old man hesitated. 
“But before you speak,” he hastened to add, very earnestly, 
“are we secure here? Does anyone occupy the room ad- 
joining this?” 

As he spoke he glanced at the ventilator. 

“Fear nothing on that score,” replied Mr. Marne, with a 
careless laugh. “ Alice complained of a headache to-night, 
and I sent her to bed at once. She is out of the way. Hulda 
is in the parlor ; you can hear her hammering on the piano. 
And the person who occupies that room is out, and has not 
returned ; confound it ! ” 

He paused ; a black scowl was on his brow. 

“What now, old fellow?” queried Flash, looking at him 
in surprise. 

“ Why, ’tis on account of the woman who stays in that 
room that I am concerned about the receipt I” 

1 ‘ W oman ? Who is she ?” 

“ Our new governess; she says her name is Garver.” 

“ I never heard of her. What about her?” 

“ I'll tell you, Flash. She is the very image of the man 
we dealt with in Pittsburgh, five years ago — Calvin 
Grayson !” 

‘ ‘ The deuce !” and Flash sat upright. But in a moment 
he continued. “ That’s all nonsense ; that and your dream, 
too. All bosh ! You don’t know that Calvin Grayson had 
any children; and I guess he is dead. We can afford to 
laugh and forget him, Gilbert, my friend.” 

“ Nevertheless, I’ll hide that receipt to-night where Satan 
himself wouldn’t think of looking for it,” was the earnest 
reply. 


84 


GERTR DDE, THE GO VERNESS. 

“All nonsense, I tell you. But that other something ; 
what is it?” 

Flash had no idea that that should be lost sight of. He 
almost knew what it was. 

“ In a few words, then, I wanted to talk a little about 
your coal-oil stock, to discuss the matter of investing.” 

Flash’s eyes snapped. 

“ I am agreeable,” he answered, as carelessly as he could. 
“You can have the shares on more liberal terms than any 
other living man ; this on account of bygone business trans- 
actions. More than that, I have with me now some blank 
certificates of stock. You know all.” 

The fellow struck the white ash from his segar, coolly 
took another drink of brandy, and hummed a popular air. 

He seemed entirely disinterested in the matter. 

Not so with Mr. Marne ; he moved restlessly in his chair, 
rubbed his hands together, and at last said, half firmly, 
half apologetically : 

“Exactly, Flash; but I must know more of the com- 
pany.” 

“ Examine the newspapers, and see the quotations of its 
stock. I offer you shares at twenty per cent, less than 
they’ll bring in the market. I have told you why.” 

There was not the least tremor in his voice. 

“But suppose I write to the president?” asked old Marne, 
impulsively. 

“ To the president!” and Flash’s indifference was gone in 
a moment. “ Why? can’t you believe me f Do you doubt 
my word ? If so, write to the president, and consider my 
offer withdrawn at that very instant.” 

“There, there; you are hasty. I only ” 

“Very good. Now, Gilbert Marne,” and his voice sank 
to alow, confidential key, “I’ll give you absolute proof in 
this matter.” 

“Proof? How?” 

“ I have just returned from the wells. I have brought 
with me my quarterly dividends. I have them here.” 

He spoke coolly. 

“Ah, indeed?” 

“Yes; look.” ' J # 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 85 

He took from a secret pocket within his vest-bosom, a 
large roll of clean, crispy bank-notes. 

Old Marne started back in very amazement; but Flash, 
as he removed the rubber band and allowed the notes to 
roll out, continued : 

“A few thousand there, my friend, in clean tens and 
twenties ! I drew the amount three days ago in Pittsburgh. 
I’ve been counting it, and other moneys, to-day, and will 
deposit in bank to-morrow.” 

This was a clinching argument, but Flash followed it up 
by saying: 

“ I thought I made money fast enough the three years I 
was in the city of St. Domingo, but I am coining it now.” 

“ Why don’t you keep the wells, then?” 

“ Because I prefer a big pile of ready money for them, in 
a lump,” was the prompt reply. 

Old Marne was almost bewildered; but sinking his voice 
to a confidential whisper, he said : 

“You carry a large amount of money with you, Flash; 
yet not so much as I have in this room.” 

“Ah! yes,” ejaculated the other with a start; but he 
checked himself. 

“Mine, however, is secure,” returned Mr. Marne. “I 
have twenty thousand dollars in that safe there, Flash.” 

Flash did not start this time; he showed no surprise 
whatever. But his wicked heart was throbbing wildly, 
and his hand moved covertly to his bosom and rested on a 
knife concealed there. 

He controlled himself, however, and pretending to start, 
said warningly: 

‘ ‘ Sh ! sh ! Before we talk further, we must be careful, be 
sure there are no listeners. I thought I heard a noise out 
there. Perhaps the governess has returned ; if so ” 

“ Oh, no! I heard nothing.” 

“ Still we had better be sure ; it costs nothing. Steal out 
and rap at her door ; if she answers, you can readily find an 
excuse.” 

“A good idea; I’ll go,” and Mr. Marne crept from the 
room. 

Scarcely had he left the door when Flash arose, glided 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


like a serpent toward the safe, and in a twinkling pressed a 
piece of wax against the keyhole of the heavy lock. 

“Good!” he muttered, hurrying back to his seat. “It 
costs nothing ; yet it may cost somebody twenty thousand 
dollars.” 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE GOVERNESS A PRISONER. 

Gertrude had heard everything. She was prepared ; she 
knew how to act. 

And Gertrude knew far more than Mr. Marne dreamed of. 
Even before her suspicions were confirmed, she felt Flash 
had some ulterior motive in getting his host from the library. 
And when the fellow hurried to the safe in the further side 
of the room, she lifted herself to her toes, and strained her 
eyes through the ventilator. 

She started back, as a low cry was upon her lips ; but she 
controlled herself, and awaited what was to follow. 

When a quick, sharp rap fell upon her door, she did not 
move from her position. Twice the rap sounded ; but it 
was not answered. 

When old Marne returned to the library, Flash was 
seated where he had left him. He was leisurely rolling up 
his money again. As he was about placing the rubber strap 
around the bundle, he paused, drew out a twenty-dollar 
greenback, handed it to Mr. Marne, and said : 

“ Look at that note, old fellow; I offered it to-day; but 
the shopkeeper shook his head and preferred another. The 
rascal intimated that the bill was a counterfeit. Examine 
it and give me your opinion.” 

He transferred the rest of the money to the secret pouch in 
h is vest-bosom. 

Old Marne took the note, cast a quick, suspicious glance 
at Flash, and adjusting his gold-rimmed eye-glasses, scru- 
tinized the script closely. 

“As good as gold,” he answered, handing back the note. 
“ I would be glad to have a cart-load just like it.” 

“ Of course,” ejaculated Flash, crushing the money care- 
lessly in his pocket. He shrugged his shoulders, and just 
the faintest smile of triumph passed over his face. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


87 


“ The governess has not returned, and now about that 
stock Flash,” began the rich man, abruptly. “I have this 
much to say : give me three weeks to think of the matter, 
and I’ll give you a decided answer. If I think then as I 
think now, I’ll close with you.” 

“Then, why the deu^e don’t you invest at once? You 
know, I can readily dispose of the shares. I have some of 
the certificates with me ; let me fill them out and transfer to 
you.” 

He spoke eagerly. At the same time he drew from his 
coat-pocket a long memorandum-book, and took out several 
strips of paper. 

Mr. Marne gazed at the latter as they fluttered upon the 
table. His face twitched, and his fingers toyed nervously 
with his watch-chain. He was sorely tempted. But he 
was deep and wary, and, in business matters, very decided. 

“Not now, Flash,” he said, positively. “Iam strongly 
tempted to invest ; but give me the three weeks to think 
about it.” 

“All right,” said Flash rather coldly, helping himself to 
a fresh segar. “ I’ll agree to what you wish, provided I get 
no higher offer in the meantime ; and I promise you to put 
myself to no trouble to get such an offer.” 

“No, no, Fish; don’t entertain any offer until I have de- 
cided. I claim the refusal,” said Marne hastily. “You can 
lose nothing by waiting a little while.” 

“ I don’t know about that,” said Flash, with another 
smile, and a sly, satisfied shrug. “ But I’ll accommodate 
you. Now, however,” and he glanced at his watch, “what 
say you to that other business? ’Tis getting late.” 

“ By Jove, I had almost forgotten it ! I want to hide that 
receipt? Say what you may, there’s something about this 
governess that haunts me, and reminds me so much of 
Calvin Grayson, that I’ll not feel easy until the receipt is 
placed beyond all chance of discovery. You must help me. ” 

He arose. 

“Certainly, old fellow, but where the deuce can you 
better keep it than in that safe? Besides that, the receipt 
is original ; I can take my oath that I saw Calvin Grayson 
sign it.” 


88 


GERTR UDE , THE GO VERNESS. 

“ All true enough,” answered the rich man,, walking to 
the safe; “but something impels me to this step.” 

He unlocked the safe, and from a secret drawer within, 
took a small, narrow strip of paper. 

“ As to a safer place ,” he continued, with a low chuckle, 
as he returned to the table, “ why we can rip up the ” 

The rest of the sentence was in a whisper. 

Though she strained her eager ears to catch every word, 
the eavesdropping Gertrude heard no more. Her heart al- 
most sank within her ; but she still kept her position. 

The conversation between the plotters was carried on in a 
low tone for several minutes. At last, Flash exclaimed ; 

“By Jove, a famous plan ! But we must have something 
to work with.” 

k I have everything,” said Mr. Marne, going to the closet 
and taking out the tools which had been placed there a 
week before. 

“ Then let’s to work.” 

“Yes; but first another drink. Flash, and — yes! by 
heavens, I’ll put an endorsement on this precious paper 
before it is hid forever !” 

He laughed loud, as swallowing another drink of the 
liquor, he dipped a pen in the ink and wrote a few lines, 
in his bold, heavy characters upon the back -of the mysteri- 
ious paper. He dried the ink-wet letters on a leaf of the 
fancy blotting-book before mentioned. 

“Look at that, Flash’- 

The other read the endorsement, laughed, too, and 
said : 

1 ‘ A glorious epitaph ! But now to work ; late as it is, I 
have other business on hand to-night. ” 

He spoke the last words very earnestly. 

He was thinking of the piece of wax in his pocket. 

The men set to work at once, and Gertrude heard not 
their voices again for nearly a half hour. 

But she heard something else, and very distinctly, tool 
First was the sound of ripping of carpet, then a noise as the 
prying up of boards ; next came sawing and hammering, 
and so on. 

At length these sounds ceased. The governess heard 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


89 


Flash speak a hasty good-night, and take bis leave. 
Some moments later she started, as she observed that the 
light in the library was suddenly extinguished. Then she 
heard Mr. Marine close the library door, and his heavy 
footstep echoing in the hall as he strode by her room. 

Trembling with excitement, her bosom heaving, her heart 
beating wildly, Gertrude steppod from the chair. 

“Come what may, I’ll enter that room, and to-night,” 
she muttered, sternly. “ I have heard enough; but, heav- 
en help me, I must know more. I am on the track ! Noth- 
ing now shall hinder me !” 

She crept to her door, cautiously opened it, and listened. 

The light in the passage burned dimly. No one was to be 
seen, and not a sound disturbed the stillness of the sleeping 
mansion. 

Hulda had long since ceased her thrumming on the piano, 
and had retired to her room, there to digest the new schemes 
filling her mind. 

“Everything is wrapt in quiet,” murmured Gertrude. 
“That wicked man has gone to his sumptous couch. Heaven 
stand by me, for now is my opportunity. ! ” 

She entered the passage, stole on and tried the library 
door. The bolt yielded. She entered. 

“I have a match,” shejmuttered. 

A moment, and she lit the gas. 

She flashed her eyes about her : but she had just taken a 
cursory glance when suddenly in the passage, she heard 
footsteps hastily approaching. 

The blood seemed to congeal around her heart, and great 
drops of perspiration beaded her brow. She could not 
retreat to her room. 

And she knew that footstep. 

Making an inward prayer to heaven for deliverence, she 
hastily extinguished the light, and sank into the shadows 
behind the table. 

A moment later and the steps halted by the door, which, 
by the by, the maiden had left partly open. 

“I am getting careless,” muttered some one outside, whom 
Gertrude at once recognized as Mr. Marne. “ I have some- 
thing in this room worth hiding. I’ll lock the door.” 


90 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

The door was closed; the key grated in the lock, and the 
old man hurried back to his chamber. 

Gertrude was a prisoner. She was under lock and key. 


CHAPTER XXI. 

A PAIR OF SCISSORS— FACE TO FACE. 

When Felix Flash left the mansion on Rittenhouse 
Square that eventful night, he hastened away toward Pine 
street. 

Nearly three-quarters of an hour later he might have 
been seen hanging around the corner near the old-time wag- 
onway on Front street. 

He was reconnoitering the premises. 

Fortune favored him this time, for Ned Hallohan, the 
watchful policeman, had just a half hour before been re. 
lieved. 

It was verging fast toward daybreak, when Flash 
emerged from the wagonway and entered the street. 

He paused for a moment under the lamp at the corner. 

His face was aglow with a triumphant light. 

“I’ve fixed it; and I’ll bet a thousand dollars against a 
brass button that it will do ! Old Gilbert Marne is very 
careless to keep twenty thousand dollars in that safe.” 

As he spoke he held up to the light a small, bright object. 

It was a key. 

He slid it in his pocket and hurried on. 

****** * 

We left our heroine, the fair and brave Gertrude, in a 
decidedly disagreeable predicament. 

For five minutes, as she fully realized her situation, she 
was almost overwhelmed with terror; but she gradually 
grew calmer. 

It was manifest to her that, by some or other means, 
she had to get out of that room, or she would be dis- 
covered. 

Of course, the most disastrous results would then ensue. 

In fact, her very lifework would be undone forever. 

Groping her way through the darkness, she reached the 
wall and soon found the door. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 91 

She tried it, hoping against hope. It was locked, and the 
key had been taken away. 

Her heart almost sank within her. She felt the lock 
closely with her burning fingers. 

She started, as through the crevice of the door-jamb, she 
just touched the bolt which stood between her and her 
freedom. 

She took a hair-pin from her tresses, slipped it in the 
lock, caught the bolt, and bore on it. But the slender wire 
bent under the pressure. 

She twisted two hair-pins together, and essayed again ; 
but again she failed. 

She paused, and, trembling with fear and excitement, 
leaned almost fainting against the door. But she suddenly 
started up ; a low cry of joy escaped her, and she felt hasti- 
ly in her pocket. 

“ Heaven be praised? I have them !” she murmured. 

She took out a pair of scissors. She ’slipped one of the 
blades behind the bolt. She bore on it. Instantly it sprang 
back with a sharp, audible click. 

Gertrude darted out and fled into her room. But she 
paused. 

“That door must be locked, or Mr. Marne will suspect — 
and suspect me! ” she murmured, in a tone of distress. ‘ ‘ I 
wonder if my key will fit?” 

She took the key from the lock of her room door, and 
hurried to the library. 

To her great joy, the key did fit. She locked the room, 
and thanking heaven for her lucky escape, retired to her 
chamber. 

It was nearly day before Gertrude fell asleep . When she 
did, she dreamed of the strange events of that night. 

The next morning, as the governess was leaving the 
the breakfast-room, old Marne, who had been unusually 
chatty and agreeable, suddenly asked : 

“ Were you out last night, Miss Garver !” 

The question was so unexpected that Gertrude started and 
reddened vividly. But, controlling herself, she answered 
in a low voice : ' * ' 1 

“ I was, sir.” 


92 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


“ ’Twas a raw, bitter night; and you should be careful. 
At what hour did you return, Miss Garver?” 

This was a home question. But Gertrude, who was an- 
ticipating it, was prepared. 

‘ ‘ Later than I wished, sir ; later than I should have been 
out, Mr. Marne,” she answered, with a quiet smile. 

She hurried from the room. 

She had answered well. 

Mr. Marne smiled, too ; he felt safe. 

That day Dr. Hoy frequently examined his box at the 
post-office. He was looking for an answer to his advertise, 
ment. 

He was doomed to disappointment. 

Late in the afternoon he sab in his office, glancing me- 
chanically over an afternoon paper. 

Suddenly he almost sprang from his seat. 

He had seen just two words in the personal column. 

‘ 1 ’Tis she ! She is here . ? I was not mistaken ; and heaven 
be praised !” 

Bending his eyes on the words, he read : 

“C’esf impossible. G. G.” 

The young man breathed heavily. 

‘ ‘ I’ll find her out !” he murmured. ‘ ‘ Heaven has ordained 
this, and I cannot, dare not, say nay. Something separates 
me forever from the proud, heartless beauty ; and that 
something is an unseen power stronger even than the finger 
of fate itself !” 

On the following afternoon, promptly at the time he had 
mentioned, Dr. Hoy ascended the steps of the Marne man- 
sion and rang. 

Once in the splendid parlor within, he did not have to 
wait long, for in a few moments, Hulda, radiant as some 
fabled gem of the Orient, swept into the room. 

The meeting and greeting between the two were far from 
being cordial. 

“ You have absented yourself a long time, Dr. Hoy,” said 
Hulda. ‘ ‘ But pray do not think that I have missed you or 
grieved after you.” 

“ Of course not, Hulda,” was the prompt reply, as a sat- 
isfied thrill flashed through the physician’s bosom. ‘ ‘ Truth 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 93 

is, I have been unusually busy of late. I could not make it 
convenient to call any ” 

Before he could finish, light steps were heard in the pas. 
sage, and in a moment a slender-formed maiden entered. 

Dr. Hoy’s back was to the door when she came into the 
room; but Hu] da saw her. 

The proud girl smiled ironically, and half rising, said: 

“ Dr. Hoy, allow me to introduce to you our governess, 
Miss Garver. Miss Garvey, Dr. Hoy.” 

Reginald Hoy arose and glanced quickly at the new comer. 

He recoiled as though a bolt from heaven had crashed 
into the room. 

Gertrude tottered back. She had not dreamed that any 
one was with Hulda; least of all, that Reginald was. She 
could have sunk through the floor ; but rallying by a des- 
perate effort, she advanced and spoke the following rapidly 
in French : 

“ Je me fie a votre boute. Monsieur le docteur ; veuillez ne 
pas parler ici mon nom veritable. Li c'est possible , voubliez 
pendant queje sevai dans cette maison. ” 

In a moment the young physician was himself ; he under- 
stood the situation of affairs. With a low bow and an 
ardent glance he answered : 

“ Certainement , M r lle Garver. Mais je suis bien aise de 
vous voir , encore .” 

Gertrude shot at him a warm, grateful glance, and turn- 
ing, said hastily to the astonished Hulda: 

‘ ‘ Excuse me, Miss Marne, I did not know that you were 
engaged. I only wished to see you concerning your French 
exercise.” 

She hastened from the room. 

During this little episode, Hulda had sat almost speech- 
less. She noted the changing color in the cheeks of both 
parties to the affair . She understood not a word of the 
French. 

As soon as the governess was gone, the flashing belle, 
with a frown on her brow, said sternly : 

“What did that girl say to you, and you to her, Dr, 
Hoy?” 


94 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

Reginald Hoy’s face flushed at her dictatorial words and 
manner. But he replied : 

“I was addressing Miss Garver in French, and she mein 
the same. Simply because I find to my great surprise that 
your governess is an old acquaintance.” 

A strange reply ; but it was the best that the physician 
could frame. 

“An old acquaintance?” and Hulda’s eyes flashed suspici- 
ously over him. 

“Yes; I met Miss Garver in Paris some five years since. 
I knew her well, and ” 

Just then the bell jangled loudly. 

Hulda Marne’s face slightly crimsoned as she hastily arose 
and looked out of the window. 

She started back, and a triumphant fire glittered in her 
eyes as she said : 

“You must excuse me, sir, lam engaged for a sleigh- 
ride this afternoon. The snow is in good condition, and 
the weather superb. I must get ready.” 

“ Engaged for a sleigh-ride,” exclaimed the doctor, his 
cheeks glowing. “ And with whom?” 

“ With a gentleman — Felix Flash, Esq.” 

“ Felix Flash! Why, Hulda, surely you do not ” 

“ Pardon me ; I’ve no time to lose.” 

She swept from the room. 

Reginald Hoy was almost bewildered. 

He set his teeth hard together and griped his hands. 

But as his brow cleared and a grim smile passed over 
his face, he muttered ; 

“After all, ’tis well. Things work to suit me. Aye! 
Something even more than the finger of fate is in this 
affair. Oh ! Gertrude ! Gertrude ! and is it thus ” 

He drew on his gloves and left the house. 

As he issued from the front door, he came face to face 
with Felix Flash, who, just leaving his splendid sleigh, was 
waiting his pull to be answered. 

There was no sign of recognition between the two. 

As the physician, his bosom filled with conflicting emo- 
tions, walked away, Flash gazing cynically after him, mut- 
tered ; 


95 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

“ His comb is cut, or I can’t read signs, that’s all ; he may 
have this governess ! As for Hulda Marne, she is mine for 
the asking.” 

Ten minutes later, Dr. Hoy, striding along, started as a 
gilded sleigh, drawn by a pair of fleet-footed bays, flashed 
by him. A ringing, mocking laugh fell upon his ears. 

“ Laugh on !” he ejaculated, with a scowl. 

“ Laugh on ! The die is cast and I am saved. But I pity 
you, Hulda Marne.” 


CHAPTER XXII. 

A SPEEDY PROPOSAL AND ACCEPTANCE. 

That night, Dr. Hoy, seated in his light cutter, was turn- 
ing the corner at Ninth and Spruce, on his way home. 

It was quite early, though the lamps were lit. As the 
doctor drove into Spruce street, a sleigh dashed by at a fu- 
rious speed. 

“Out of the way there, you brat!” rang a voice from 
the sleigh — a voice which the physician recognized as that 
of Felix Flash. 

He glanced thitherward. 

His blood curdled as he saw right in the track of the 
rushing horses, a slender boy tottering across the street. 

He was trying to shun the danger which was upon 
him. 

But the lad was not quick enough. He was struck and 
hurled headlong upon his face. The reckless driver of the 
sleigh pulled his horses down and looked back. 

“It served the vagabond right,” he exclaimed, as if in 
defiance of the muttering crowd, which had quickly gath- 
ered. 

“You are a scoundrel, Felix Flash!” said Dr. Hoy, in a 
slow, stern voice, as he dashed up in his cutter. 

“Ah! you, Reg ” 

“Oh! please drive on, Mr. Flash,” urged Hulda, in an 
anxious whisper. “ I fear the crowd. Drive on.” 

“I’ll see you at another time, Reginald Hoy,” hissed 
Flash. 

“Be off, fellow, or I’ll forget the company you are in. 


96 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

and lash you like a hound with my whip,” retorted the 
doctor, springing from his cutter. 

Flash struck his horses and spun away. 

The kind-hearted physician was soon by the side of the 
fallen boy. Grasping him in his arms, he bore him to the 
cutter. 

“ I am a physician, my friends ; I’ll take care of the lad,” 
he shouted to the crowd. 

“A real gentleman,” cried a brawny laboring man, who 
stood in the throng. “’Three cheers for him, boys!” 

Amid the ringing cheers that then went up, the doctor 
drove rapidly away. In a few moments he was at his 
office. Once inside, he laid the unconscious boy on a lounge 
and lit the gas. He started as he looked upon the cold, 
pallid features. 

“By Jove! I know him.” he muttered. “’Tis that little 
fellow from whom I buy lighters.” 

He applied restoratives at once. 

The boy was only stunned ; he was not seriously hurt. 
He soon opened his eyes and glanced around. 

“Oh, you, doctor, dear doctor !” he exclaimed, gratefully, 
as he sat up. 

“ Yes, George; I’m sorry you were hurt.” 

They chatted together for ten minutes. 

“ My cutter is still at the door, and I’ll take you to your 
home, George,” said the doctor. 

“ No, no, sir; I am strong now. I can walk, and I must 
be going.” 

He arose. 

The doctor started, and gazed earnestly at him. 

It was the first time he had ever got a good 100k at his 
face. 

A quick, anxious light burned in his eyes. 

“ What is your name, my lad?” he asked. 

“Why, George, sir. You know it, for I ” 

“Yes; but your last name?” 

“Grayson, sir; George Gray ” 

‘ ‘ Grayson !” and the doctor bounded to his feet. Instantly 
checking himself, he continued: “I have heard the name 
before. Have you a father, George V 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 


97 


“ Yes, sir.” 

A mother?” 

“ No, sir; alas! she is dead.” 

“ A sis— a sister?” stammered the doctor. 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ Her name?” 

“Gertrude, doctor.” 

The young man slowly bent his head upon his bosom, and 
murmured : 

“ Something more than the finger of fate is in this!" 

And there he sat. He did not check the boy as he moved 
away ; he scarcely heeded his parting salutation. In fact, 
he hardly seemed to realize that the boy had gone until the 
door closed upon him. 

“ The time has come; I must be honest; I must write to 
Hulda Marne,” he said, drawing to his desk. 

******** 

When Flash pulled up before the splendid mansion on 
Rittenhouse Square, and was about to descend to lift Hulda 
from the sleigh, he checked himself and said in a low tone: 

“I cannot think, Miss. Marne, that you care anything for 
Reginald Hoy after what happened down town. He acted 
like a blackguard !” 

“ I have cared nothing for him for some time,” was the 
quiet reply. 

Flash trembled. 

“ I am a rich man, Miss Marne,” he said. 

“I know it.” 

“ I will be far richer soon.” 

“Glad to hear it, Mr. Flash.” 

“I love you, Hulda.” 

“And I you, Felix.” 

“Will you be my wife?” 

“ I will, ” was the prompt reply. 

“When?” 

“Whenever you say.” 

Flash trembled now from head to foot. He pondered a 
moment and said : 

“I am a business man, Hulda; let it be three weeks from 


98 


GERTR UDE, THE GO VERNESS. 


the night before last — Wednesday — a lucky day !. On that 
night we’ll leave for New York, thence for Europe.” 

“ I am yours, Felix.” 

“ Then thus I plight my vows !” 

He leaned over and pressed his burning lips to hers. 

“And as I sometimes carry such trifles about me,” he 
continued with a low laugh, “allow me thus to seal our 
engagement.” 

He drew from his pocket a ring and slid it upon her cold 
finger. 

A few moments later, when the fair but false Hulda stood 
in her warm, comfortable room, she examined the ring 
Flash had given her. She started in admiration. 

It was a very massive band of virgin gold, and it bore in 
its superb setting a solitaire diamond of purest water. 

“The time has come; I must be honest; I must write to 
Reginald Hoy,” she muttered, drawing to a richly-inlaid 
desk, her admiring gaze fastened all the time upon the 
glittering ring. 

A quarter of an hour later she glanced over a written 
sheet. She smiled as she read it. She was about folding 
the page and sliding it into an envelope, when the front bell 
rang. 

Hulda started and listened. 

In a few moments a rap sounded on her door, and Fan 
chette entered with a letter. 

“For you, Miss Hulda,” she said. “The boy says he 
doesn’t know if there's an answer. But he is waiting.” 

Hulda snatched the missive, and glanced hastily at the 
superscription. Her cheeks paled and flushed by turns. 
She read the letter. 

A terrible frown wrinkled her brow, and her white teeth 
dug into her pouting lip. But the frown disappeared, and, 
smiling bitterly, she said : 

“ There is an answer to this. Wait, Fanchette.” 

She added a few hasty lines to the letter which she had 
already written, and, enclosing it in an envelope, gave it to 
the girl, and said : 

“ Give it to the messenger.” 

“So, so,” muttered the proud beauty, when Fanchette 


GERTR UDE, THE GO VERNESS. 


99 


had gone. “ This fellow is in a hurry! He has somewhat 
taken the wind out of my sails. Let me read his precious 
note.” 

She glanced over the sheet just received and read : 

“ No. — Spruce St., Friday Night. 

Miss Marne. — Candor compels me to ask at your hands a 
release from my engagement to you. Honesty prompts me 
to state my reasons ; they are briefly these : I am forced to 
confess that I do not love you. Secondly, I have recently 
discovered that my heart pulses for another than yourself. 
I could mention collateral circumstances, too, which of 
themselves would urge upon you the granting of the re- 
quest herein made ; but I forbear. Wishing you a happy 
life, trusting, at least, that we’ll never be foes, and respect- 
fully asking a speedy reply, I am, 

“ Yours, etc., 

“Reginald Hoy, M. D.” 

“ P. S.— Pardon just a word more. Beware of the man , 
Felix Flash. R. H.” 

Hulda tore the letter to atoms. 

“ What does he know about Felix Flash?” she muttered, 
somewhat anxiously. “ But,” she added, quickly, “ who is 
this other for whom his heart pulses? Can it, after all, be 
that dove-eyed girl here — Gertrude the GovernessV ’ 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

DR. HOY GETS HIS “ CONGE.” 

Dr. Hoy was somewhat surprised that night when his 
office-boy returned, bringing a letter. He had not expected 
a reply so soon, nor had he instructed the lad to await an 
answer. Dismissing the boy, he opened the letter, and, 
with mingled feelings of surprise and pleasure, read the 
following : 

“West Rittenhouse Square. 

“ Dr. Reginald Hoy: — Y our ungentlemanly conduct to- 
night, toward Mr. Flash ; your coarse, brutish words, and 
your disregard for the presence of a lady, compel me to 
request a discontinuance, forthwith, of your visits to this 


100 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

house. I now give you your conge — which, being literally 
interpreted, means your ‘walking papers.’ I dare venture 
the hope that you will not blow your brains out, when I tell 
you that I will be wedded to Felix Flash, Esq., (a gentleman ) 
in three weeks. Perhaps you may be remembered with 
cards— perhaps not. 

“ Respectfully. 

“Hulda Marne.” 

“Later.— Your precious squib just received. You an- 
ticipated me a few minutes. There is a little triumph in 
that for you. Enjoy it. I wish you joy with that ‘ other ’ 
one. Should you fail in that direction, suppose you try 
your hand on the poverty-stricken governess here? For 
that purpose, you can have free entree here, (< admission , 
you know). H. M.” 

“ Heaven be praised. All’s well, and I am now free in- 
deed,” muttered the young man, as he cast Hulda’s letter 
into the fire. 

******** 

Felix Flash and Mahlo, the African, sat late that night 
together in their lofty press-room of the mysterious house 
far down on Front street. It was plain that both had been 
drinking deeply — especially the African — from a decanter 
on the table. 

“Well, Mahlo, you understand everything now,” said 
Flash at last. “ Here is the money for the work, and, of its 
kind, I promise you that ’tis the last. Be sure of your aim, 
tand report he result to me here. ” 

He shoved a pile of bank-bills — genuine ones — toward his 
sooty companion. 

Mahlo spoke not a word. 

He gathered the notes up, placed them in his pocket, ex- 
amined a pistol, hid it in his bosom, and stole from the room ; 
then from the house. 

As he traversed the snow-covered court, and entered the 
main street, he said : 

“ Aye ! I’ll do the work, for my blood is hot. But in less 
than three weeks my oath of fealty expires. Then, Felix 
Flash, look to yourself ! For by the heavens that scowl ” 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


101 


He hurried away. 

* * * * * * 

It was past two o’clock that cold night when Dr. Hoy was 
suddenly awakened by the fierce jingle of his office bell. 

He had sat up very late, and, at last, had flung himself 
on a lounge to rest awhile. There he had fallen asleep. 

He arose at once, the gas was burning low in the room. 
He crept into the vestibule, and glanced out through the 
panes in the sash by the door. He started as he saw stand- 
ing there a huge negro, with a face of ebony. 

He had his hand in his bosom, and his whole appearance 
was suspicious. 

“I’ve seen that fellow before,” muttered Dr. Hoy. “And 
it was with Felix Flash. I’ll not trust him ; I must be 
cautious.” 

He softly unlocked the door, and, suddenly stepping back ? 
flung it open. 

Instantly a bright flame flashed in, a sharp report rung on 
the air, and a pistol ball buried itself in the door. 

Mahlo, for it was he, saw his failure, and, with a low, 
baffled cry, fled away. 

A half hour later, when Flash learned the result of his 
murderous plans, his rage was terrible. But he could do 
nothing. Besides that, there was something in Mahlo’s 
manner that awed him. 

****** 

The clocks in the city were just striking the hour of mid- 
night when Gertrude the governess, in the privacy of her 
room, arose from her knees. She had been praying, and 
was now ready for bed. 

“ Fate has so ordered it!” she murmured; “ we have met 
again, and Reginald loves me!” 


CHAPTER XXIY. 

THE BLOTTING-BOOK. 

Time passed. 

It was soon noised abroad that the beautiful and queenly 
Hulda Marne had broken her engagement with Dr. Hoy, and 
transferred her affections elsewhere. 

But people did not know the whole truth about the matter. 


102 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

It was speedily known, too, that Hulda was engaged to 
Felix Flash. 

Many wondered at this ; and some shook their heads and 
shrugged their shoulders. 

But as it was an assured fact that Flash was a rich man, 
“society” condescendingly approved the match. 

Nearly three weeks had elapsed. 

The day was drawing near when old Gilbert Marne was 
to give Flash a decided answer in regard to the oil shares. 

Strange to say, that day was the very one on which the 
stylish wedding was to occur. 

Of that affair the old man had been duly apprised. 

At first he had frowned ; but as he thought of the great 
bargain that Flash was offering him, his brow cleared, and 
he smiled consent. 

When alone he had muttered : 

“ ’Tis all right; I shall invest in the stock! Turn out as 
it may, all the money outlay will still be in the family.” 

Of coarse Beginal Hoy had not been to the rich mansion 
since the eventful afternoon of Hulda’s sleigh-ride with 
Flash ; nor had he seen Gertrude since his unexpected meet- 
ing with her that afternoon. 

But he had written to her, disguising his handwriting on 
the envelope. 

His letter, which was ardent and tender, was received by 
the governess, and was in due time answered. 

She made a frank confession of her poverty ; but she in- 
timated to the young man that her heart was still his, if, 
indeed, he cared for it, after her confession. 

Gertrude likewise hinted, very briefly and cautiously, at 
her mission in the grand mansion. 

At this letter Dr. Hoy started ; then he recalled a strange 
tale which somehow or another, he had heard several years 
before. 

That tale had reference to Gilbert Marne’s suddenly ac- 
quired wealth. And Calvin Grayson’s name was connected 
with it ! 

Flash had called frequently at the Marne mansion ; but 
though the subject was the one nearest his lips, he never 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 108 

introduced the matter of the oil investment. Old Gilbert 
Marne always did. 

Then Flash would carefully draw out rolls of his dividend 
money, and flaunt his certificates of stock in the rich 
man’s face. 

He had well baited his fish ; he knew that when the time 
came, the hook would be swallowed ! 

In the meantime great preparations had been made for 
the approaching wedding. 

Gertrude had faithfully attended to her duties ; but she 
was as watchful and as wide-awake as ever. 

She had utterly failed, however, to get into the library 
again at night. 

The reader remembers that her door-key fitted the lock 
to the library ; but for some other reason, it had failed on 
several occasions to open the door. 

Gertrude could only infer that her tampering with the 
lock on the night she had been locked in, was the cause of 
the trouble. 

It was a bitter thought for her ; for old Marne invariably 
locked the door on leaving the room. 

But Gertrude slacked not her efforts; for that fortune 
which, heretofore, had so marvelously protected her, was 
still her shield. 

At iu«st one night— and it was the one before the wedding 
eve — the young governess, who had sat up long, anxiously 
waiting for old Marne to leave the library, slowly arose 
from her chair. 

“He is gone, and I’ll try again!” she murmured. 

‘ Heaven help me !” 

She cautiously opened her door and peered out into the 
passage. - 

She heard the far away closing of Mr. Marne’s bed-room 
door ; then all was still. 

She glided swiftly to the library, and convulsively seized 
the bolt. 

It turned ; the door opened. 

A cry of joy almost broke from her lips; but, restraining 
herself, she entered, cautiously closed and locked the door, 
stuffed the key-hole with her li and kerchief, and lit the gas. 


104 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

The first thing that met her gaze was the blotting-book. 

It was lying on the table. 

Gertrude hesitated a moment, glanced at the book, picked 
it up and examined it. 

Just the slightest shiver passed over her frame, a quick, 
crimsoning stain flashed into her cheeks, and she sank into 
a seat. 

Her breath came and went rapidly ; the arteries along her 
neck pulsed and swelled into hard cords, and a death-like 
pallor stole over her face. 

“Great heavens! What is this?” she gasped, tearing 
away her dress at the neck to get air. ‘ ‘ Am I dreaming ! 
or, am I, at last, aye ! so soon so near the end I” 

She bent her eyes on the blurred pad of the blotting- 
book. 

But she shook her head. 

“I see much,” she said, in a low voice. “But it has 
faded. Work is before me, and I’ll not shrink from it.” 

With an ivory paper knife she cut out two sheets of the 
book. 

Shoving them into her bosom, she arose. 

“I have only one friend with whom I can, with whom I 
dare, consult about this matter !” she ejaculated in a stern 
whisper. “I must see Reginald Hoy; and, late as it is, to- 
night.” 

She extinguished the gas and left the room. 

A quarter of an hour afterward, Gertrude, well-wrapt for 
the winter weather, cautiously opened the front door of the 
mansion, and crept out. She was not seen, for every eye 
in the mansion was closed in slumber. 

As she descended the steps the distant bell on Independ- 
ence Hall boomed out a single stroke, which echoed with a 
ghostly sound in the still night. 

It was one o’clock. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

“ victory!” 

That same night, as on a former, Dr. Hoy was suddenly 
awakened by the jangling of his office bell. Remembering 
his narrow escape from the African’s bullet, he lay still. But 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 105 

the bell rang again, and louder, more appealingly it seemed, 
than before. 

He arose, slipped on his clothes, and cautiously went into 
the vestibule. He peered through the narrow panes of the 
side sash. He drew back as he saw a slender female form 
standing on the steps. He opened the door. 

“ Oh ! heaven be thanked, Reginald, that you are in 1” and 
Gertrude the governess, staggered into the room. 

“ You, Gertie ! you, my Gertie !” and the young man drew 
her impulsively to his bosom. “Oh! darling, how I have 
yearned to see you, to renew to you my old-time vows of 
love! I am free now, as you know. Oh! Gertie, say ” 

“I love you, Reginald — I would die for you!” interrupted 
the blushing maiden, stopping him in his wild outburst. 
“ But I am here on business; I wish your help.” 

‘ ‘ What ! But come in, darling ; come into the office where 
there’s a good fire,” and he hastily led the way to the room 
designated. He raised the light. 

Gertrude flushed as she glanced around the bachelor apart- 
ments. 

Oh ! Reginald, I hope you’ll not think strange of my visit 
at such an unseasonable hour, and I all alone. But ” 

“Not another word on that point, dearest. Now, how 
can I serve you?” and he drew closer to her, looking tenderly, 
but wonderingly, upon her. 

‘ ‘ There’s no time to be lost, ” answered the maiden, hastily. 
“You have heard the old-time tale, Reginald, of a money 
transaction between my father and Gilbert Marne?” 

“Yes, Gertie; and I now believe that old ” 

“I understand you, Reginald. Well, chance, or Provi- 
dence, or fate, threw me into the rich man’s home. I 
entered that house, not as his hireling, but as one destined 
to be his haunting shadow ! as one fated to discover his 
perfidy. Not so much as a governess, as a stern, relentless 
avenger of my father’s wrongs ! I almost hold in my hand , 
Reginald, the long-coveted proof. See, Reginald !” and she 
drew from her bosom the two blotting-sheets. 

The young physician looked on in bewilderment. But, 
taking the sheets, he glanced at the faded ink-marks 
thereon. 


106 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

He made out enough to cause his cheek to flush, his brow 
to knit, and his eyes to sparkle. 

He bounded from his chair, and exclaimed, in a husky 
voice : 

“Retribution! retribution! Surely, in this matter we 
must recognize the finger of the fate !” 

“ And now, Reginald, can you bring out by your science, 
the faded words? Can you make these sheets read coher- 
ently?” asked Gertrude, in a whisper. 

“ I can! for I will!" was the earnest reply. 

He glanced closely over the blotting-pads, his eyes burn- 
ing, his brow contracting. 

He shook his head, as he looked around the room. 

“ If I only had a looking-glass,” he muttered, excitedly 
and half -angrily. “Unfortunately, my stupid office-boy 
broke mine this very day. Nevertheless, I can do what I 
wish. I’ll bring out the ink-marks plainer.” 

He went to a shelf, and soon returned with a large bottle 
containing a colorless liquid. 

“Turn your nose away, Gertie,” he said, as he removed 
the stopple, and inserted into the bottle a camel’s hair- 
pencil. “This is spirit of hartshorn. Watch now the 
faded ink-marks.” 

He wiped one of the blotting-sheets hastily with the moist- 
ened brush. 

Instantly the inverted letters stood out clear and dis- 
tinct. 

Still, however, they could not be read on account of their 
position. 

“Good!” muttered the doctor, after he had pondered a 
a moment. “ There’s something else to be done, and I think 
I can do it.” 

He reached over on his desk and took up a vial. It con- 
tained what is known as French copying ink. 

“ What are going to do with that, Reginald?” asked Ger 
trude, in a whisper. 

“This; I will trace these ink-marks of the pads upon^, 
sheet of tracing-paper, which I will simply place beneath 
the blotting-sheets. In the tracing thus made on the paper, 

I will mark over with the ink. I will then allow the ink to 


107 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 


dry, and take an impression on a sheet of note-paper, under 
my letter-press there.” 

He lost no time. 

He made the tracing, carefully went over with the copy- 
ing ink, and finally placing it with a sheet of note-paper 
under the the letter-press. 

The latter he screwed down. 

He waited a moment. 

At last he said with some excitement ; 

“Now, Gertie, if I have succeeded, we will see trans- 
ferred to the note-sheet everything that was blotted into 
the pad. We will look.” 

Gertrude was shaking from head to foot. 

The doctor unscrewed the press, separated the papers, 
and glanced at the note-sheet. 

A cry of triumph broke from his lips, as standing out 
clearly on the white surface, he saw the dark purple letters. 
And they stood in right position. 

The doctor gazed at the tell-tale sheet, and in a voice 
which was scarcely audible, read this : 

“ West Rittenhouse Square, Thursday. 

“Dear Flash:— I am somewhat upset, and yet -there 
may be no cause. However, I want to see you —certainly 
to-night. ’Tis about that old-time receipt matter, which 
gave us such a lift five years ago. I have seen a strange 
face, and— hang it!— I’ve had strange dreams! That re- 
ceipt must not pass from my possession. You know why. 
Be sure to come; I have a plan. And I can easily get 
tools into my library. Come early— certainly no later than 


ten o’clock. 

“ Faithfully yours, 

“ Gilbert Marne.” 

The doctor ceased reading. He was breathing heavily. 

In her eagerness, Gertrude was now standing by his side. 

“ And here is the answer that Felix Flash sent to that let- 
ter!” she exclaimed, drawing from her bosom a folded 
sheet. “ The same unerring finger of fate, which all along 
has been guiding me, likewise pointed me to it.” 

Dr. Hoy took the letter and read it. 

The reader remembers the contents of that note, espec- 


108 GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS . 

ially Flash’s mention of a pretended visit to“ the oil re- 
gions. 

“ And now the other blotting-sheet, Reginald,” whispered 
Gertrude. “ I feel that it tells the taler 
The physician went through the same process as he had 
done with the first sheet. But when he took the note-sheet 
from the press and gazed at it reeled back, sank into a 
chair, and muttered just one word: 

“ Victory /” 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

HUNTING PROOF — INVESTING IN OIL STOCK. 

For some moments not a word was spoken in the doctor’s 
office. The physician broke the silence. 

“Can you get in the mansion on your return, Gertie !” lie 
asked suddenly, a strange, stern light burning in his eyes. 

“ Oh ! yes; I left the dead-latch up on purpose.” 

“ Good. Then we’ll go; and I will wear my rubbers.” 

“Go! ivear your rubbers! What do you mean, Reginald?” 

‘ ‘To return with you to old Gilbert Marne’s mansion ; to 
enter with you and find the proof of that black-haired 
scoundrel’s villainy! We know now where that proof is, 
and — rubbers cover sound !” 

Three-quarters of and hour later, two figures softly as- 
cended the steps of the Marne mansion. 

A moment more and they stole in. 

Silently, cat-like, they mounted the stairs and reached 
the library. They passed in, closed the door, locked it, and 
lighted the gas. Not a word thus far had been even whis- 
pered. 

The physician stooped by the wall, seized the carpet, and 
was about to pull. He smiled contentedly. 

The carpet was not tacked down. 

Old Marne had omitted to do that on that eventful night, 
some weeks before. 

Hr. Hoy rolled the carpet back. 

He paused suddenly as he saw, in the center of the room, 
that one of the boards had been sawed through in two 
places, making a section about a foot long. This was fast- 
ened in position by several screws. 


109 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

I must have a screw-driver,” said the young man in an 
undertone. 

' ‘ I know where to find one!” and Gertrude glided to a 
closet. 

She soon returned with a screw-driver. 

Another instance of Gilbert Marne’s neglect. 

In a moment the doctor removed the screws, which were 
still bright and untarnished. 

He cautiously lifted out the section of board. 

He glanced in, and staggered to his feet. 

There, on the rough lathes, through the interstices of 
which the hardened plaster protruded, lay a narrow strip 
of paper. 

“We have triumphed, my darling,” murmured Reginald 
Hoy, as, stooping again, he picked up the paper and looked 
at it. 

Gertrude glanced at it, too, only once — and sank into a 
chair. 

The climax had been reached ; reaction had come. 

She had swooned. 

Ten minutes later she and Dr. Hoy stood at the front 
door. 

“I believe the grand wedding takes place to-morrow 
night, Gertie?” said the doctor, in a whisper. 

“ Yes, Reginald.” 

“Then, invited or not, I’ll be a wedding guest. Good 
night, darling.” 

He pressed his lips to her’s and hurried away. 

Next to his heart he carried the strange paper which he 
had found under the boards of the library floor. 

The following morning Gertrude did not appear at the 
breakfast-table. 

Old Mr. Marne seemed strangely worked upon. 

His brow was clouded, and despite the happy event which 
was to occur that night, his face was anxious and forebod- 
ing. 

As soon as he had swallowed a cup of coffee, he hastened 
to the library, and locked himself in. 

“ Confound it,” he muttered, striding up and down the 
room. “ That was a strangely mixed dream I had; and I 


110 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

can’t shake it off. Hang it! Just a month ago to-night I 
had another strange dream, which even now, I remember 
distinctly.” 

He glared around him. 

“ Just as plainly as though I was wide awake, I heard 
hammering and sawing in the library here. Then I saw a 
strange face, then somebody bending over the safe there, 
then— pointing through the window from the blackness 
without — that infernal finger af fate !” 

He paused, jerked up the carpet, and glanced at the bare 
floor. 

“ No ; all’s right here,” and he dropped the carpet. ‘ ‘ But 
that money bothers me,” and his eyes wandered to the safe; 
“that, too, was mixed up in my dreams. Why the deuce 
didn’t I deposit it? I’d do it at once, but I’ll have my hands 
full to-day. However,” and a quick bright look spread over 
his face, “ I’ll protect it as long as I keep it here.” 

From one of the drawers of the'table he took a pistol ; also 
a ball of twine. 

Glancing once toward the door, he strode to the iron safe, 
and seated himself before it. 

And there he sat for nearly an hour. At last he pushed 
his chair back. 

“ ’Tis safe now ; I must be cautious myself, or I’ll run 
some — ha! who the deuce can that be?” he suddenly ex- 
claimed, as at that instant the bell rang through the man- 
sion. 

In a few moments a rap fell on the door. 

Old Marne quickly flung his overcoat upon the safe, and 
hurried to the door. 

He started back in some confusion, as his eyes fell upon 
him who had rapped. 

It was Felix Flash. 

The rich man, however, smiled and greeted his expected 
son-in-law cordially. 

“Now for your answer, my dear Marne!” exclaimed 
Flash, as soon as the door was shut. “You see I am on 
time. But I can tell 'you in advance, that if you still care 
not to invest, I'll sell the shares to-day. I’ve had an offer.” 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. Ill 

“Not too fast, my dear fellow,” hurriedly replied Mr. 
Marne. “ I have made up my mind.” 

“Well?” 

“I’ll invest,” was the decided reply. 

A half hour later Flash was passing from the house. His 
face was aglow with a radiant look of a long-coveted 
triumph. 

“ Something may prevent me from attending this grand 
wedding!” he muttered coolly, and significantly. “ Never- 
theless, I certainly must visit the mansion again ; aye ! the 
library ! the safe ! ’Tis as well to be prepared.” 

He cautiously slipped the key out of the lock, and strode 
away. He had not been seen. 

That morning he presented a check at the paying-teller’s 
window in old Gilbert Marne’s bank. The teller glanced at 
the check, and started back in absolute amazement. 

“’Tis a large sum, sir,” he said. “ It will absorb Mr. 
Marne’s entire deposit.” 

“I can’t see how that concerns you,” answered Flash, 
coolly. “ I am in a hurry, sir,” 

“And this check is payable to bearer,” continued the 
teller, glancing at Flash. 

‘ ‘ Neither can I see how that concerns you,” retorted Flash. 
“I have other business on hand, sir. Hurry, if it is con- 
venient.” 

The teller shrugged his shoulders, and counted out the 
money — a very large amount. 

Flash shoved the notes into his bosom, and sauntered 
from the bank. 

“ Only one thing now !” he muttered with a frown, while 
his eyes glittered. “Mahlo is, at last, in my way. He 
must be removed, by fair means, or by — foul. ” 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

A TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCH. 

Flash seemed to be concerned least of all about his ap- 
proaching marriage that night. 

As he strode along he felt the great sum of money in his 
bosom, and ejaculated, triumph nntlv* 


11$ GERTRUDE , GOVERNESS. 

“At last, I am, indeed, a rich man! If all goes well, 
and this marriage comes off, why, my charming bride and 
myself will be in New York by three in the morning. The 
Russia sails for Liverpool to-morrow, at noon. If old 
Marne finds out anything it will be too late to ” 

He turned into Fifth street, and some moments after- 
ward paused by a drug store at the corner of Spruce. 

“ This is as good a place as any,” he muttered, as a stern 
look rested on his features. “ The trap must be laid; now 
is my chance.” 

He entered the store. 

“ ’Tis a poison, sir, and we are only allowed to sell the 
drug on physicians’ prescriptions,” said the clerk, hesitat- 
ingly, in answer to something Flash had said. 

“I am well aware of that,” said Flash, quietly. “I 
simply wish to rid myself of some troublesome cats. My 
name is Felix Flash, and I reside— but here is my card.” 

He flung a handsomely-engraved card upon the prescrip- 
tion scales. 

The clerk glanced at it. 

“We have our rules, sir,” he said, “ but I dare say this 
is all right.” 

“It is all right,” answered Flash. 

When he left the store a moment afterward, he slipped a 
small paper-covered parcel in his pocket. 

He did not go to his bachelor residence on Pine street, 
but continued down Spruce until he came to Front. He 
was soon in the often-mentioned wagonway. A few min- 
utes afterward he was in the mysterious press-room far up 
in the house in the court. 

As he entered he glanced hastily around him, and a low, 
glad cry escaped him. 

“By Jove! all works well,” he exclaimed, drawing the 
parcel from his pocket. 

“The black-skinned scoundrel has gone out to air him- 
self, and I have nothing in my way. But,” and he lowered 
his voice and flashed a quick, suspicious look around him, 
“the fellow has left his overcoat.” 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 113 

Mahlo was not to be seen ; he was certainly not in the 
room. 

Flash worked hurriedly. He untied the parcel and from 
it emptied a white lustrous powder into a vial . Filling the 
vial with warm water, he shook it until the powder was dis- 
solved. He poured this solution into a flask half filled with 
brandy. This he likewise shook, and held it up to the gas, 
which was burning; for, as we have before mentioned, the 
shutters of the room were never opened. He nodded his 
head approvingly. 

“ The liquor will tempt him; I’ll leave it here,” he ejac- 
ulated, with a fiendish laugh. 

‘ ' I’ll return sometime to-night to see how the dose has 
worked.” 

He left the house, and was soon in the street. As he 
wheeled around the corner, a broad-shouldered policeman 
emerged from a doorway on the opposite side of the 
street. 

“I saw that chap go in, and I saw him come out,” he 
muttered, quite contentedly. “Well, I’ll be on duty to- 
night, and if that fellow goes inside them doors, by the old 
Harry, I’ll pull the trap-string! The time has about come, 
or my name ain’t Ned Hallohan, that’s all !” 

Scarcely had Flash left the press-room, when, in the 
center of the ceiling above, a sliding shutter moved noise- 
lessly back. An opening of considerable size was revealed, 
in a moment a brawney man eased himself through the 
aperture, and dropped upon his feet to the floor. 

It was Mahlo, the African, and his black face was dis- 
torted with passion. 

“ The hiding-place served me well!” he hissed. I have 
long suspected the villian. My eyes are now opened. The 
dawn of freedom’s day is at hand for me, for my oath ex- 
pires to-night at twelve o’clock. Now ” 

He suddenly halted and picked up a small square of 
white paper. To it was gummed a druggist’s label. He 
glanced at the label and read on it : 

“ACID: ARSEN POISON.” 

He tore the label to bits and coolly emptied the drugged 
brandy into a spittoon, He drew from his bosom a costly 


114 GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

pearl-handled dagger. The bright blade flashed in the 
light. 

“ I must put a new edge on this,” he muttered, stepping 
to the press-bench and picking up a whetstone. 

The day wore away. 

****** 

As might be supposed, all was bustle and thrift at the 
Marne mansion. But the rich man was locked to himself 
in the privacy of his library. He did not seem to think at 
all of the great wedding which was soon to be celebrated. 
He seemed, too, to have forgotten that on that night, he 
was to bid a long farewell to his queenly daughter, Hulda. 
His brow was wrinkled in thought, and an anxious light 
lured in his small, black eyes. 

“Why hesitate?” he exclaimed, stopping stock-still in his 
promenade. “ Flash and Hulda leave the city to-night. I 
must find out before that time, about this stock. Come 
what will, I'll telegraph to President Roberts /” 

He snatched his hat, and left the house. 

Sometime later, he descended from a car at Third and 
Chestnut, and entered the office of the Western Union 
Telegraph Company. 

It was now dark, and the lamps of the great city were 
lighted. 

As Mr. Marne entered the telegraph-office, a tall, well- 
wrapt man, who was coming up Third street, halted 
abruptly, and slid into the heavy shadows lying along the 
sideway. 

“That was Gilbert Marne,” he muttered. “He is not 
satisfied about the shares. Ha ! ha ! he is a trifle too late. 
But I must know more of this. Now, indeed, I am reason- 
ably certain that there'll be no wedding to-night on West 
Ruttenhouse Square. 

It was Felix Flash . He had even then started on his 
way to order a carriage to take him to the great mansion. 

He kept his eyes fastened on the doors of the telegraph 
office. 

Finally, Mr. Marne came out and passed down Third 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


115 


street toward Walnut. As he strode by, Flash could have 
touched him. 

That fellow muttered a few words, crossed the street to a 
lamp, and taking out a memorandum-book, hunted through 
it. 

“I dare say I have one of the old rascal’s cards,” he 
laughed. “ It will serve me a good turn now. Ah! yes, 
here is one. Good.” 

Waiting some minutes, he at last recrossed the street, and 
boldly entered the telegraph office. 

Walking straight to one of the clerks, he said in an ap- 
parently eager tone : 

“ I believe Mr. Gilbert Marne, of West Rittenhouse 
Square, left a dispatch here some time since?” 

“Yes, sir,” answered the clerk, unsuspectingly. 

“ He wishes a few words added, and has delegated me to 
do it,” continued Flash. “ Here is Mr. Marne’s card as 
guaranty. Allow me to see the telegram.” 

“ Certainly, sir,” and the clerk turned to a file on which 
several dispatches were strung. “ Here it is.” 

Flash quietly took it, glued his eyes to it, and read this : 

“ H. Roberts, 

“ President Valley Oil Company, 

“No — , Western Av., Allegheny City. 

“ Does a man named Felix Flash own stock in your com- 
pany? Am I safe in purchasing from him? Answer at 
once. 

Gilbert Marne, 

“ No — , West Rittenhouse Square. 

“Philadelphia.” 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

RETRIBUTION AND REWARD. 

Flash smiled. But as if he had forgotten something, he 
quickly looked up and said : 

“ Pardon me ; but has this dispatch been sent?” 

“Yes, sir; ten minutes ago,” was the reply. 

“"Flash frowned and an oath was upon his lips. 


116 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

But he simply said : 

“ Then there’s no use in making the addition. Thanks for 
your kindness.” 

He left the office. 

Once in the street, he ground his teeth and muttered : 

“ The old rascal has broken faith ! He will cheat me of the 
fair Hulda, but I have all I care for — the money. Now, I 
Icnoiv there’ll be no wedding ; and I must send Gilbert Marne, 
Esq., a little letter!” 

Shortly after Mr. Marne had left his house that evening, 
Gertrude the governess stole silently and without being seen 
from the front door, and hurried away as fast as she could. 

It did not take her long to reach Dr. Hoy’s office ; for that 
was her destination. 

A close carriage was standing there. 

The maiden rang and was admitted by Keginald in person. 

He did not seem at all surprised, but very much pleased 
to see her. 

A few moments later the two came out. 

' The doctor gave a few hasty directions to the driver, 
handed Gertrude in the coach, and entered himself. 

When the carriage was next to be seen, it was standing on 
Bainbridge street, at the entrance of Quince Alley, and Ger- 
trude and Dr. Hoy were advancing up the narrow way to- 
ward the broken-down tenement in which lived old Grayson 
and his son. 

The carriage remained there a long time by the alleyT~" 

The palatial residence of Mr. Marne was aglow from top 
to bottom. Carriages were arriving, and depositing their 
precious freight, every moment. The large parlors of the 
house were filled with guests, and the hour for the ceremony 
was almost on the stroke. 

But Felix Flash had not come ! This was strange. So, 
at least, more than one there thought. 

Old Mr. Marne did not know what to think of it. He had 
descended to the crowded parlor. But Hulda and her glit- 
tering train of bridesmaids were still awaiting the coming 
of the bridegroom. 

“ Confound it ! what can this mean?” muttered old Marne, 


117 


GERTRUDE, THE GOVERNESS. 

fearing something— yet he knew not what. “ Could he 
have found out •” 

Just then the bell rang. 

In the midst of a breathless silence, a letter was handed 
in. Mr. Marne snatched it, glared at the superscription, 
and hastily opened the sheet. He read it in a moment. 
His eyes glittered and his cheeks paled. But endeavoring 
to be as self-possessed as possible, he said in a loud voice to 
the company : 

“I am very sorry, my friends; but this note from Mr. 
Flash informs me of his sudden and severe indisposition. So 
it will be impossible for the — ha ! hello ! What’s that?” 

He started back in amazement, as, just then, without any 
premonitory ring, Dr. Hoy opened the front door and forced 
his way into the thronged parlor. No one accompanied him 
into the crowded room. 

“You, Reginald Hoy! What do you want here? Out 
with it, sir.” 

At that moment Hulda, who, in her nervousness and im- 
patience, had come to the head of the stairs, ran down and 
entered the room. Her face was like a grave-stone in color, 
as her eyes fell upon the young physician. 

“I wish to avoid a scene, Mr. Marne; I would see you 
just a few moments in your library,” said Dr. Hoy in a low 
tone. 

\ u Avoid a scene ! ” and the rich man trembled. “ See me 
in the library ! Zounds, young man, you are bold ! See me 
here , if you wish; and be in a hurry about it.” 

“ ’Tis a matter of business, sir,” persisted the doctor, ap- 
pealingly, though his cheek reddened resentfully. “ I prefer 
to ” 

“ Business be hanged ! Speak out here , and begone from 
this house.” 

“As you will, sir,” was the stern rejoinder. “ I am here 
Gilbert Marne, as the spokesman of another. Ho, out there ! 
Come in, Calvin Grayson! ” 

Instantly the poor old shoemaker forced his way through 
the bewildered crowd, and paused by the doctor’s side. 

Every eye was upon him. More than one of that gathered 
assembly suddenly recalled the old-time tale. 


118 


GERTR UDE, THE GO VERNESS. 

Gilbert Marne recoiled ; he came near falling. But by a 
deperate effort he rallied. . 

“And what does this man want?” he demanded, with 
paling cheeks. ‘ ‘ Has he come to annoy me again about ” 

“He has come to claim ; aye ! to get his own ! ” interrupted 
the physician, in a ringing voice. “ Five years ago, Gilbert 
Maane, you made this poor man drunk with wine, and when 
in that condition, you forced him to sign a receipt for 
$20,000 from you. You took that receipt, but Calvin Grayson 
never received a penny of that money. I can prove it” 

‘ ‘ Can prove it /” gasped the rich man, as white as a sheet. 
“How?” 

‘ ‘ Thus : Do you know these blotting-pads ?” and Reginald 
Hoy drew the sheets from his bosom. ‘ ‘ They came from 
your library. What they bore I have succeeded in trans- 
ferring word for word, letter for letter, to these note-sheets. 
And here is Felix Flash’s letter in answer to yours. Look. 
What, now, about the receipt /” 

He flaunted the papers before the eyes of the fainting old 
man. 

Again, however, Gilbert Marne rallied, and cried hoarsely : 

“ ’Tis a trick ; a base — heartless trick !” 

“ And is this a trick, too !” and Reginald Hoy, flinging the 
sheets from him as if in scorn, drew another, the last — a 
narrow strip of paper from his pocket. 

‘ ‘ My God ! What is that !” 

“That! ’Tis the long-looked for receipt which bears 
Calvin Crayson’s name— a signature obtained by fraud !” 
thundered the doctor. “I myself took it from its hiding- 
place under the floor of your library, where you and Felix 
Flash placed it three weeks ago this very night !” 

“ But, by heavens, the receipt is good!” cried old Marne, 
desperately. 

He had certainly forgotten something. 

“’Tis as false as perdition,” retorted the physician. 

“ Listen, one and all, and I will read what Gilbert Marne 
has written here.” 

Flashing his eyes over an endorsement on the paper, the 
doctor read : 

“ Here lies forever buried the precious receipt given by 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS . 119 

old Calvin Grayson for the oil lands, and for ivhich he never 
received a penny. Requiescat in Pace! 

“ Gilbert Marne.” 

“January 7th, 186—.” 

Old Marne reeled back. 

“I’m rich! I’ll restore! begone — leave me! I swear— ha!” 

Again the bell rang and interrupted the old man’s spasmo- 
dic mutterings. 

A moment, and Gertrude the governess quietly entered 
and drew near. 

Old Marne glared at her. 

“ And you ! you she devil !” he exclaimed, regardless of 
the company. You are the one who has been my haunting 
shadow! Who are you? Answer, for by heavens! I will 
know !” 

“ You shall know, old man! I came to this house to un- 
mask your villainy, and I have done it. I am Gertrude 
Garver Grayson. But here is a telegram which I but now 
took in at the door. ’Tis for you sir.” 

“A telegram!” and old Marne clutched it, tore it open, 
and glanced at its contents. 

A bitter groan escaped him, and the fatal dispatch flut- 
tered from his fingers, and, flinging his hands to his head, 
he fell heavily to the floor. 

A moment, and Dr. Hoy was by his side. He felt his 
pulse. He arose ; as he did so he picked up the dispatch, 
and read aloud : 

“ Gilbert Marne. 

“ No.— West Rittenhouse Square. 

“No such man as Felix Flash has, at any time, owned a 
dollar’s worth of stock in the ‘ Valley ’ Company. 

“Harvey Roberts, 

“ President, etc.” 

“And now, friends,” and the doctor’s voice was low and 
solemn as he glanced around him, “you had better leave 
the house, for Gilbert Marne is dead. Now — but good hea- 
vens !” he continued, with an irrepressible shudder, point- 
ing to the motionless form. “ Look !” 

In a moment of time old Marne’s hair, which was so 
black, had turned as white as drifted snow. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 


HO 

“ Come, Alice. I am your friend still. Come,” and Ger- 
trude bore the fainting maiden from the death-stricken 
room. 

3{e :je H 4 * ♦ % % 

Midnight was on the stroke. The Marne Mansion, over 
which sudden death waved its black banners, was wrapped 
in silence and in gloom. 

A tall, slender man ascended the steps. He glanced 
around him. 

“I’ve heard the news,” he muttered, “well, strange 
things sometimes happen. But that pile of money must be 
mine, and the opportunity could not be better. Courage, 
brave heart; finish this work, take a parting glance at 
Mahlo, and then forever flee !” 

He opened the door and stole into the house. 

Only a moment elapsed ere he had ascended the stairs and 
crept into the library. 

He wasted no time. 

The gas was burning low ; he turned it on, strode to the 
safe, taking a key from his vest-pocket. 

But he suddenly started back. 

“By Jove!” he ejaculated. “Fortune favors me. The 
door is open !” 

He thrust his hand into the open safe, and clutched the 
great pile of bank notes there. 

But, as he withdrew his hand, it struck a piece of twine 
stretched between the shelves. 

Instantly a sharp, clear report rang out. 

A cry of pain broke from Flash. 

He staggered to his feet, the notes fell fluttering to the 
floor, and the fellow, the blood streaming from his left arm, 
dashed from the room. 

As he entered the dim-lit passage, he started back, for 
there in the doorway of the adjoining room he saw the fair- 
faced governess. 

She was in her spotless robes of the night. 

Dim though the light was, Flash knew the girl’s face ; he 
had seen it many times before. 

It was that of the same poor girl whom he had followed 
in the snowy, wind-blown streets a month before. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 121 

With a cry of mingled rage and pain, he darted from the 
house. 

On reaching the streets he hastily bound a handkerchief 
around his bleeding arm, and fled on. 

At last, far away down town, he turned into the oft- 
mentioned wagon-way and hurried into the mysterious 
house on the court. 

“He’s in the trap,” said Ned Hallohan, the policeman, 
emerging from the shadows. “The time has come, and 
the warrant’s in my pocket. I’ll give the rascals a breath- 
ing spell; then I’ll have a trial of ’em.” 

He remained where he was. 

Flash hurried up stairs and burst into the press-room. 

Hardly had he entered, when Mahlo, the African, quietly 
straightened up from behind the door, which he locked at 
once. 

The negro was in his shirt-sleeves; his herculean arms 
were bared to the shoulder. He clutched a dagger in his 
right hand. 

The liquor flask still sat on the table, but it was empty. 

Flash gazed at the vessel, then at Mahlo. He saw dan- 
ger; he saw his doom. He started back, as if he would 
flee. 

“The door is locked,” said Mahlo, quietly. “I have 
waited long for you.” 

“ What do you mean, Mahlo?” 

“ I heard your plot to-day,” answered Mahlo, slowly. 
“The poisoned liquor is now in yonder spittoon. To-night 
at twelve o’clock my oath of fealty expired.” 

“ What mean you, Mahlo?” repeated Flash, trembling in 
every limb, and drawing back. 

“To stain this blade in your heart’s blood, Felix Flash!” 
was the fierce rejoinder. 

“ Back, back, Mahlo! I am already wounded! Oh, spare 
me! mercy, Mahlo! I ” 

His wild, pleading cries died upon his lips, as the venge- 
ful dagger of the African darted into his breast. He fell ; 
an awful quiver pervaded his frame ; then he was still. 

In a fleeting moment of time, Flash was dead. 

Just then, flying feet were heard racing up the stairs. 


122 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 

and a moment later, Ned Hallohan, the policeman, dashed 
in. But with a powerful blow Mahlo knocked him down 
and fled from the house. 

When the officer recovered himself, he staggered into the 
press- room. But he recoiled at the terrible sight there. 

“ By the old Harry!” he muttered, in a tone of bitter dis- 
appointment. “I caged them softs; but I was just too 
late !” 

He quietly measured the length of Flash’s boot on his 
club. 

It reached exactly to a notched depression in the hard 
wood. 

Flash was stone dead; in his breast still quivered the 
African’s long knife. 

The policeman drew it from the gaping thrust and looked 
at it. 

On the handle, though Ned did not understand it, was 
engraved the following : 

“Manuelo Mahlo, Lieutenant dans la Marine , Haiti- 
ennne.” 

The officer saw something else. 

It was a sheet of paper pinned to the bosom of the dead 
man. 

It contained the following, written in English: 

“ Several years ago, while on leave of absence, I chanced 
to be in the city of St. Domingo. While there, I met this 
scoundrel, Felix Flash. One night he plied me with liquor, 
and urged me on to a deed of blood. Since then I have 
been his very slave ! To-day he attempted to poison me. I 
have sworn his life away ; and when this sheet is pinned to 
his bosom, I shall have fulfilled my oath. 

“ (Signed), 

“Manuel Mahlo, 

“ Formerly a lieutenant in the Haytian Navy.” 

Perhaps the reader already knows enough ; but we will add 
a little more. 

Ned Hallohan was a trusty man. 

He found a great sum of money secret, ed on Flash’s person, 
and by inquiry soon learned that it had been obtained by 
fraud from old Gilbert Marne. 


GERTRUDE , THE GOVERNESS. 123 

The money, every dollar of it, was duly returned. 

It then found its way, as did the $20,000 scattered on the 
library floor, to those,, who, in the eyes of the law were its 
rightful owners, namely : Calvin Grayson’s family. 

The morning following the startling events at the rich 
mansion, Hulda Marne’s body, arrayed for the bridal eve, 
was found frozen stiff in the Delaware at Walnut street 
wharf. 

Poor Hulda ! brilliant but misguided Hulda ! 

In due and speedy time, Gertrude became Reginald Hoys 
loving wife. 

Several years later, the young couple, who were on a 
southern tour, chanced to be in New Orleans. 

While there a Haytian brig-of-war came up for repairs. 

During her stay in port, the black-skinned officers gave a 
ball aboard their craft. 

Dr. Hoy and wife were among those invited. 

But what was the physician’s amazement to recognize in 
the towering, grand-looking African, who commanded the 
brig, Mahlo of old ! 

The black had been reinstated in the service of his coun- 
try. 

One more item. Five years after the thrilling events 
which closed the great life-drama which we have given, the 
innocent, pure-hearted Alice Marne became the wife of 
George Grayson. 

Gertrude the Governess had been indeed guided by the 
mysterious Finger of Fate. 

And now, having witnessed a just apportionment of Re- 
tribution and Reward, we wet our pen once again to write 
two words : 


[THE END.] 


A GREAT FAMILY PAPER. 


We are glad to announce to the readers of Munro’s Library, 
that the New York Family Story Paper is spoken of in at 
least five hundred thousand homes in America as “A Great 
Family Paper.” The circulation of the New York Family Story 
Paper is over half a million (500,000) copies. 

Why has the Family Story Paper taken the place of its com- 
petitors? 

First. — Because it is in every sense a family paper. 

Second. — Because the continued stories are adapted to the 
readers. 

Third — Because the best authors in the land write for it. 

Fourth. — Because it contains a number of charming short 
stories. 

Fifth. — Because the type is clear, bold, handsome and read- 
able. 

Sixth. — Because it contains a great variety of choice mat- 
ter. 

Seventh. — Because it never admitted a dull line in its col- 
umns. 

Eighth. — Because it is independent and without advertise- 
ments. 

Ninth.— Because it is pleasing to heads of families. 

Tenth and last. — Because we intended that we should take 
the lead, and that we have accomplished. 

The New York Family Story Paper is sold on every news 
stand in the United States and Canada. The publishers employ 
no agents. If there are no news dealers in remote places, the 
paper will be sent to any address free of postage for one year 
for $8.00. Send for a sample copy. Address 

New York Family Story Paper, 

24 & 26 Vandewater St., N. Y. 


Mrs. Alex. McVeiih Miller’s Works 


Published in Munro’s Library, 


No. Cents 

1. “A Dreadful Temptation.” Unquestionably oneof the most thrill- 

ing and powerful romances of the day. Should be read by young and 
old --------- 

2. “The Bride of The Tomb.” A tale of mystery, love and revenge. 

Every chapter is replete with glowing description and interest 

3. “ An Old Man’s Darling.” Never was a story written better suited 

to secure the attention of the reader from first to last - - t 

4. “ Queenie’s Terrible Secret.” A great novel for young girls. Th« 

heroine is as naturally portrayed as though she were a living being 

5. “ Jaquellna.” The interesting feature of this work is the wild, excit- 

ing scenes which are so skillfully mingled with peaceful home life 

6. " Little Golden’s Daughter.” A story of surpassing pathos and 

delicacy. One well suited to charm all classes t 

7. “ The Rose and The Lily.” A jealous woman makes this story on* 

of absorbing interest. Each chapter is strong and cleverly constructed , 

8. ** Countess Vera.” This gifted authoress probably never wrote a bet- 

ter story. The opportunity of reading it should not be missed 

9. “ Bonnie Dora.” A veritable picture drawn from life. A romance 

fascinating to its latest word ..... 

10. “ Guy Kenmore’s Wife.” The only fault to be found with this story 
Is that it comes to an end. No greater recommendation can be offered 


COPYRIGHTED WORKS IN MUNRO’S LIBRARY, 


It might be well to inform our readers that a large number of the works pub- 
lished in Munro’s Library are copyrighted, and cannot be obtained through any 
other source. Mrs. Alex. McVeigh’s Miller’s works are very popular, and we would 
advise all lovers of a delightful romance to order the complete set, ten in number 
whice costs one dollar, or ten cents each. 

In re-issuing all English novels and the works of the most popular American 
writers in a convenient form for the pocket and satchel, we are not by any means 
starting out on a new venture. We believe that the time has come for another im- 
portant change in the “ make up” of the popular novels of the day. 

It would be useless for us to waste time in stating to the reader the style of 
Munro’s Library— the book is in your hand— but why we are about to re-issue all 
works at present published in a cheap and inconvenient form. 

1st.— The type is clear, bold, handsome and readable. 

2d .—You have a book in your hand fit for any library. 

3d .—We hope to derive more profit by selling a greater number in this 

form. 

4th.— Because progress demands a change in the present form of libraries, 
and last of all, because we can offord to re-issue all the novels in this shape which 
are at present being published in a very common form at the same price now 
charged^ 

For sale by all newsdealers, or sent to any address free of postage. Address 
Norman L. Munro, Publisher, 24 & 36 Vande water St., New York. 








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MRS. ALEX. McVEIGH Ml LEER’S WORKS. 

1. A Dreadful Temptation 20 Cents. 

2. The Bride of the Tomb 20 “ 

3. An Old Man’s Darling 20 " 

4. Queenie’s Terrible Secret 20 

5. Jaquelina 20 44 

6. Little Golden’s Daughter 20 44 

7. The Rose and the Lily 20 “ 

8. Countess Vera 20 “ 

“ 9. Bonnie Dora 20 44 

*‘ 10. Guy Kenmore’s Wife 20 “ 

GEORGE ELIOT’S WORKS. 

“ 11. Janet’s Repentance 10 “ 

“ 12. Silas Marner 10 

“ 13. Felix Holt, the Radical 20 

“ 14. The Mill on the Floss 20 

“ ir>. Brother Jacob 10 44 

“16. Adam Bede 20 

“ 17. Romola 20 

“ 18. Sad Fortunes of Rev. Amos Barton 10 “ 

19. Daniel Deronda 20 “ 

44 20. Middlemarch 20 

“ 21. Mr. Gilftl’s Love Story 10 “ 

*‘ 22. The Spanish Gypsy 20 “ 

“ 23. Impressions of Theophrastus Such 10 “ 

MISCELLANEOUS WORK'*. 

“ 24. The Two Orphans. By D’Ennery 10 “ 

“ 25. Yolande. By William Black 20 

“ 26. Lady Audley’s Secret. By Miss Braddon 20 44 

“ 27. When the Ship Comes Home. By Besant & Rice 10 " 

“ 28. John Halifax, Gentleman. By Miss Mulock 20 "I 

“ 29. In Peril of his Life By Gaboriau 20 44 

“ 30. The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid 10 “ 

44 31. Molly Bawn. By the Duchess 20 “ 

44 32. Portia. By the Duchess 20 44 

“ 83. Kit: a Memory. By James Payne 20 “ 

44 34. East Lynne. By Mrs. Henry Wood 20 “ 

44 35. Her Mother’s Sin. By Bertha M. Clay 10 44 

“ 36. A Princess of Thule. By William Black 20 

44 37. Phyllis. By the Duchess 20 “ 

44 38. David Copperfield. By Charles Dickens 20 44 

44 39. Very Hard Cash. By Charles Reade 20 44 

44 40. Ivanhoe. By Sir Walter Scott 20 44 

44 41. Shirley. By Miss Bronte 20 44 

44 42. The Last Days of Pompeii. By Bulwer Lytton 20 44 

44 43. Charlotte Temple. By Miss Rowson 10 44 

“ 44. Dora Thorne. By Bertha M. Clay 20 44 

44 45. Old Curiosity Shop. By Charles Dickens 20 “ 

44 46. Camille. By Alex. Dumas, Jr 10 44 

44 47. The Three Guardsmen. By Alex. Dumas 20 44 

44 48. Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte 20 44 

44 49. Romance of a Poor Young Man. By Feuillet 10 44 

44 50. Back to the Old Home. By Mary Cecil Hay 10 44 

44 51. Maggie: or, the Loom Girl of Lowell. By William Mason Turner, M. D.20 '* 

44 52. Two Wedding Rings. By Margaret Blount 20 44 

44 53. Led Astray. By Helen M. Lewis 20 44 

44 54. A Woman’s Atonement. By AdahM. Howard 20 44 

44 55. False. By Geraldine Fleming 20 44 

44 56. The Curse of Dangerfield. By Elsie Snow 20 44 

44 57. Ten Years of His Life. By Eva Evergreen 20 44 

44 58. A Woman’s Fault. By Evelyn Gray 20 44 

44 59. Twenty Years After. By Alex. Dumas 20 44 

44 60. A Queen Amongst Women and Between Two Sins. By Bertha M. Clay .20 44 

44 61. Madolin’s Lover. By Bertha M. Clay 20 44 

Thaddeus of Warsaw. By Jane Porter 20 44 

Lucile. By Owen Meredith 20 44 

Charles Auchester. By E. Berger 20 " 

A Strange Story. Bv Bulwer 20 44 

Aurora Floyd. By Miss Braddon 20 44 

44 67. Barbara’s History. By Amelia B. Edwards 20 44 

44 68. Called to Account. By Annie Thomas 20 44 

44 69. Old Myddletou’s Money. By Mary Cecil Hay 20 44 

44 70. Thorns and Orange Blossoms. By Bertha M. Clay. Complete 10 

Remember that we do not charge extra for postage. Munro’s Library will be 
sent to any part of the world, single numbers for 10 cents, double numbers for 
20 cents. 

NORMAN L. MUNRO, PUBLISHER, 

24 & 26 Vande water St., N. Y. 












































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